
Class. 

Book '-Fs-jlTg 

Copyright^" ^1 



CORfRIGHT DEPOSnV 



«THE EYE OETHE GOVERITMEITT" 

A DRAMA. OF THE SECRET SERVICE _— — ^ 

111 
EOUR ACTS 
BY 
MIROir LEEPIIIGWELL 

COPYRIGHTED 1911._ 
BY 
ALEX BYERS 



IT T E 

Under the new co^jrlght law, the rights of production 
of a play are not secured hy the purchase of "a manuscript of 
it, and copying of a copyrighted play, and sale of copies of 
it are offences punishahle hy fine and if done wilfully, "by 
imprisonment, 

Eor Manuscripts of this Play and Rights to produce it^ 
apply to 

THE CHICAGO KAITUSCRIPT CO. , 

431 IJ, CLARK ST., 

CHICAGO, ILL. 



^^\. 



f^l^A 



T V 



0\ 



\N 



CCi,D 215246 



1-S ■ 



THE EYE OP THE GOVERIOffiNT 
A Comedy drama in four acts. Characters. 

Jack Rodney U.S. Secret Service. 

Nicholas Bunyan The Druggist, who has mixed in 

other things. 
Richard Langdon A candidate for the Dovm and Out 

Cluh. 
R.U. Dunn -'''/ho keeps the ho. el. 

Harry Vane--- The Banker's Clerk. 

Marion Langdon The Eread v/inner. 

Blanche Doe The Banker's daughter. 

Venus Dunn Brown • An unvrilling -'ridov;. 



Act 1st:- 

Office of Hotel Dunn, 

Act 2nd:- 

Garden and grounds of the Die Mansion. 

Act 3rd:- 

Interior of the hank. 

Act 4th:- 

Nicholas Bunyan' s laboratory. 



2-B 



Act 1st . 



Office of the Hotel Dunn, 

Ex terio r Backing, 




A plainly decorated interior - typical of office of a small •■ 
town hotel. 

1. Wide door R. of C. supposed to open on porch exterior Toackirg 

2. Large "bay window L. of C. Exterior "backing. . 

3.' "Door L.U.E. at head of steps with platform leading' off L. 
Sign on this - Ladies' Parlor. 

4. Door R.U .E. marked Bar and Billards, 

5. Steps leading up to door. 3 L.U.E, 

6. "L" shaped counter L. 
8. Eire place do^.m R, 

8. Safa 

9. Key rack. Chairs in vrindovr , chairs in front of fire-place j 
on coxinter there is hotel register, and cigar case, pens, 
ink and paper. 

10. Writing tahle v/ith chairs, up Tsack hetv;een •windo'? and door. 
Election notices on -walls. Theatrical Lithos, Marked - The 
Great Hick Bustecd" Co. A liheral a.mount of cuspidors. 

11. Tahle and chairs down R.C. 



3-B 

(At rise Venus Dunn Brorni is discovered behind counter on 
L. She is seated on high stool, and has a music "book o-oen 
before her) 

Venus 
(Singing) (Runs the scale, ascending and descending) Do - re- 
mi - fa - sol - la - si - Do - Do - si - la - sol - fa - mi - ■ 
re Do. (Repeats this) (Richard Langdon enters door R. at 
back he is poorly, but neatly dressed, his face is pale and 
unshaven, his eyes are red - he is nervous in manner, but 
not to an exaggeraibed extent. As Venus finishes scale second t- 
time) 

. Langdon 
(Coughs to attract her attention) Aheml (Venus looks uto) 
Good afternoon Mrs . Browa.' 

Venus 
Good afternoon I^. Langdon, is your daughter with you? 

Langdon 
18hy no - 

Venus 
This is her day - I hope she -.von't forget my lesson, I t>ut 
off an important engagement for her sake, I was going teethe 
matinee to see the "^To money to spend" couipany - Claude 
Exlair the leading man - is going to give a pink tea after 
the show and the matinee girls has been invited to meet him 
and his mother who plays the "Onjaynues" Claude is just lovely 
out I think his mother is a cat. It will be a big disappoint- 
ment if your daughter don't come and give me my lesson., 

Langdon 
Marion is very prompt about everything Mrs. Brown, she'll be 
here on time. Is - is - your brother an3n;vhere about the 
house ? 

Venus 
^Vhoi "R.U. "? ITo - R,U, "has went"to the bank, (Venus looks 
at Music book again sings) Do - Re ~ ¥1 - Pa - Pa - Fa-- 

Langdon 
(Gives a little shudder and shambles off door R. marked 
"Bar" exit, Venus continues her practice, ending on high 
note which she holds R.U. Dunn enters regards Venus with 
horrow) 

Dunn 
Take care Venus or you'll bust your mi^^l (Dunn is sleek 
and prosperous looking) 

Venus 
(Stops) Those as has no music in their souls shouldn't make 
nasty remairks about them - as has - I want to be a "song bird" 

Dunn 
But a bird v/ho can't sing and xviii sing should have it ! s 

neck wrung. 

Venus 
I gue-ss - I'm as good as the otherswho are going to appear at 
the entertainment. o o i^ 

Dunn 
I'm glad you're no worse - that rehearsal you yanked me to - 
the other night reminded me of a 2guinea Hen Convention". Say 
did I see old Souse Langdon come in here - 

Venus 
Yes - he just vient into the bar. 

Voice 
(Outside R. in bar) I can't do it - i tell you -• You'll 
have to see the boss 



/' 



Langdon , ^ \ / r, 

(Nervously) Oh - all rights All right! (Re-enter R„ ) (Sees 

■Dunn) Oh - Mr. Dunn - 

Dunn 

(Curtly) Hello! 

Langdon 

I - I wanted to - (Hesitates) 

Dunn 
(Turns) ''Iha.t is it? V/hat dc you want? 

Langdon . ,^ .,„ 

Er—er-- -no thing - nothing - It's a fine day - isn't it? 

Dunn? 

Dunn 
Yes - fine - for walking - why donU you take a long walk - 
it will do you good. (Walks around hehind counter, gets 
cigar out of case, lights it) 

Venus 
(Ohserves action, commences to cough) Aheml R,U If you 
starton that "odorous" smoking here, I'll ha;Te i.^ to get out. 
?ohIcco and my vocal chords ain't no affinities, (Starts up 
steps) 

Dunn 
(Looks at register) Venus! '.Ye 're full - ain't we? 

Venus 
If you are speaking of the hotel - yes - there's nothin^ 
left hut the parlor. (Exit L.) 

Dunn 
Humphl That might on a pinch - hold six - when a "boom ±± 
hits a town - it keeps hotel men guessingi (Comes out from 
behind counter) "What's the matter vrith you to-day Langdon? 
Lord hut you look bad! 

Langdon 
(Trembling) I'm a little bit nervous - thatJs all. 

Dunn 
I reckon you think you need a drink. 

Langdon 
Yes - I know - I need one - bAt your barkeeper just shut me 
off. Said my "Tab" was "Canned" as he put it. 

Dunn 
What - you ain't got no money - and you want a drink? Don't 
you know that "booze" is deadly poison to them as is broke. 
How would I feel if my barkeeper gave you a drink of my best 
whiskey and you went and died on my front stoop - I'm only 
speaking for your good - Langdon - Take a bruce to yourself. 
Earn some money - and then you can come here and spend your 
"it" like a gentleman - and drink all you can hold. 

Langdon 
Yes - I know - but- 

Dunn 
The v;ay - youire going - you ain't doing yourself no credit - 
and you certainly ain't doing me no good. Koodhin around - 
and getting the reputation of bein' a "Bar-fly". Eor the sake 
of that lovely daughter of yours - you oughtn't to do that. 

Langdon 
(With some dignity) Mr. Dunn - I wish you wouldn't bring her 
name into this discussion, 

Dunn 
I'm only doing it for your good - Langdon - if you only had a 
picture of yourself when you get a "snoot ful" you'd go and 
jump in the river and the "airs" you put on. '•"'■hy, the last 
time I saw you with real money - you had a "Raraese's fizz", a 
"Sazerae cock-tail", a "paresis high-ball" an "Absinthe 
drip" some "Old man!s tonic - and I'll be derned if you didn-t 
come out then to our cooler there and "knock" our water - now 
tliat ain't right. 



5~B 

Langdon 
I don't remember. 

Dunn 
Of course you don't rememloer - a man who gets loaded as 
quickly as you do - can't remeaber, (Pause) Wellj I suppose 
I'll hare to tell the "barkeeper to let you have just one. 
I don(t like to see you - so "Shaky" (Goes to door R.L, 
calls) Jim - Oh Jimi Give Langdon a drink. The "black 
"bottle with a tarantula pasted on it -• yes - Go on Langdon 
the next time you cone around - "bring some money with you - 
I'm telling you this for your good. Good day? Gooddayl 
(Pushes Langdon off R. ) 

Ve nus 
(Sings outside, strikes ""bum" note) 

Dunn 
Holy Mackerel] I wish "Venus --vould take something for that. 
If she don't let up on her music soon, she'll scare good 
money away from my hotel, (Bunyan enters at "back) (Bunyan 
presents a rather clerical appearance and manner) 

Bunyan 
Good afternoon, Kr. Dunn; 

Dunn 
Hello Bunyan, ho*/ are you? 

Bunyan 
Quite well, I thank you - I have gathered quite a "batch of 
names for your petition your nomination ismpractically 
assured. 

Dunn 
¥ell - that's fOod news all around - ain't it. The TTominatior 
means the elction. "'e'll hold control of the t^vm for 
a couple of years any,7ay„ 

Bunyan 
Indeed I hope you "rill "be elected Mr. Dunn - you know "noT 
is the time when all good men and true - etc" 

Dunn 
Why of course, if there's anything in sight - we want it 
for J^urselves ' the old inha"bitants of Boo"bville - and not 
for them crooks and sharks that the "boom has "brought here, 
¥e should be the ones to profit - and not theia other fellers. 
Say - (Looking over petition) I don't see Banker Doe's name 
here. 

Bunyan 
-So. 

Dunn 
Saj - you are pretty close to hin - couldn^t you get hin.to 
sign? 

Bunyan 
Tc tell you the truth - I could not. 

Dunn 
""rtTiat was his o"bkection? 

Bunyan 
He thought you were not qualified for the office. 

Dunn 
Oh - he didn't -•■ well - I guess - I'm as well qualified as 
he wouliS "be. Let me tell you - it takes a good man to run 
a hotel - just as goQ§si as it does to run a "bank, 

Bnyan 
I appreciate that fact - Kr. DunnJ But - }Ir, Doe 

Dunn 
"f/ell -- I'm tellin' yoii facts! Blast his eyes! I'd like tc 
know where he sets off,. I'm sorry - I ain't got no account 
in his hanli, I'd draw it out at once just to show him what 
I think of him,, 



6-B 

Bunyaa 
Oh well - Kt. Dunn - you don't need his vote. 

Dunn 
I ain't thinking of his vote - but his "inflooence" . How's 
trade with you? 

Bunyan 
Promising - Mr. Dunn - pcomisingi! 

Dunn 
Your patent medicines selling? 

Bunyan 
Pairly r/ell - " 

Dunn 
My sister "Venus - takes all your preparations - they don't 
hurt her a hit . 

Bunyan 
I'm glad to hear it. 

Dimn 
Oh yes - that's a great cut of "yours" on your "liver 
accelerator" where you are standing like this - (Assumes 
Dr. Munyon' attitude) saying "Take courage -tofected! There 
is yet hope. " 

Bunyan 
(Coughs) Ahem? That v/ord is "afflicted", not "infected" 

Dunn 
^PIThat's the "diff"? Bunyan^ I like you - I like you because 
you are the only druggist in Boohville - who don't sell 
"hooze" on the s4.y. The others are all in competition with 
my hotel - and it ain't fair. If it wasn't for them - I8d 
have a monapaly of the liquor business. 

Bunyan 
I don't keep liquor even for medicinal purpose. 

Dunn 
I suppose one reason is on account of old Langdon who works 
for you. Hefd mix up some great medicine - wouldn't he - if 
he got fofir or five "Slugs" in him - by the way - he*s here. 

Bunyan 
Here I 

Dunn 
(Points R. ) In there. 

Bunyan 
(irritated) Drinking again? (Starts R„ ) 

Dunn 
(Catches hiia arm) Don't blame me Bunyan - I refused him - but 
he got down on his knees and begged me ivith tears in his spa 
eyes for a drink, I am very tender hearted- but he had no 
money - and I still refused - He finally threatei:ned to 
throw himself in the river - and S shock that vrtiuld be 
to his daughter and you - ts have a damp unpleasant corpse 
iiDckxxxiisuigkisx brought home so - I yielded - The drink 
was fifteen cents - will you settle for it. 

Bunyan 
Here (Hands him a quarter) 

Dunn 
Thanks! ^e will let the change ggis^HKxsaaEgaix go for a 
seegar. 

Bimyan 
I don ' t smoke . 

Dunn 
I do though - (Goes to cigar case, takes out cigar, holds 
it up in air) My regards! (Puts it in vest pocketj Bunyan 
exits R, into bar) (Dunn re moves cigar from pocket, puts 
it back in case, ) 



Marion 



7-B 

Bunyan 
A cigar "unlourned" is ten cents earned. {l!arion enter s^-Tj.U.E. ) 
Ah, Miss firarion! 

Mr. Dunn! 

Dunn 
How do you think you feel - as well as you look - I suppose 
you want to see my sister - 

Marion 
Yes - This is the time for Mrs, Brown's music lesson. 

Dunn 
Music' Say look here - Miss j/rarion - I know you're not a 
grafter - tout for the love of Kike - why do you encourage 
Venus to make those noises that she cSiaims is singing? 

Marion 
I am trying ±n my humble way to give Frs. Brown piano lessons 
Mr, Dunia - vocal culture is far beyond my ability, (Venus 
enter, stands on steps, listens) 

Dunn 
But one leads to the other - she is wasting time and money - 
money that she might invest in my business - it would help me 
"some considerable" - She'll never sing if she tries from 
now until she's a hundred - she's getting on to fifty nov;. 
That's no age to start in trying tr be a "Mary Garding" . Go 
on, Miss MarionJ Be a good sporti Tell her^ she | s got no 
more voice tham a cr®w" - put her wise - put the old gal wise 
Get her "hep" to herself, 

Venus 
(In rage on steps) Mind your business - R.U.DunnI Kind your 
business - and stop sticking your stingy nose into mine. My 
times my own - and my money too - Then as: don't likes my 
singin' know what they can do - Come up in here - Marioni and 
we'll practice - and if that hypociitical hyena tries to 
interfere - I'll brain him with a piano stool, 

Dunn 
(Gomes from behind counter) Oh very well - very welli Go as 
far as you like - I'll stand out o£ the porch - and tell 
people who pass by - that there Is nobody bein' murdered., 
Dt's only you singin', that will square me v/ith the neighbors 
and stop them from calling out the police and fire departments 
(Exit L.U.E. ) 

Venus 
Come on Farion - come on! That discouraging demon has de- 
pressed me sdj that i feel every note in me is flat, (Venus 
and TTarion exeunt up steps) (Re-enter Bunyan with LaJigdon R, 
Bunyan has his arm - locked in Langdon*s, Langdon trying to 
shake him loeee.) 

Bunyan 
I tell you Langdon - you've got to quife this 

Langdon 
And I tell you - NiKk Bimyan - to let me alone - -Damn you - 
let go of my arm - (Frees himself)- 

Bunyan 
And thisims your gratitude when I try to stop you making 
a fool o-f yourself, 

Langdon 
All you have a right to expect from me is thedeliverj'- -jf the 
geods. I deliver them, don't I? For the rest I am a free 
agent - and I shall exercise my privilege as a free man t:' 
make a fool of myself if I choose. I can afford it. I have 
no assest at stake - I have n(a money - no position - no 
character, no friends, but one soul in the world - I care for- 
and thank God - she is self supporting. 



8-B 

Butjyaii 
I "begin to thirik that ivhat they say of you is Washington, 
is true. 

Langdon 
That I am insane - what does it matter ivhat they say or what 
you thinik - now„ There ?s no more deadly or cruel weapon 
than that charge as te a manis sanity - many hrilliant and 
capahle men have "been destroyed on maimed in their careers 
because of it. It got me out of the "bureau of engraving and 
printing - it denied me a chance to earn an honest live-li- 
hoodx&gx^am It "brought me down to the mire of your level 
Nick Bunyan - t© "become a swindler and a theif - 

Bunyan 
Hush " do you wsmt to provoke me tc murder you? 

Langdon 
Oh I don't fear that in the least - I haven't finished the 
plates for the issue of the new tens yet - "besides you might 
not make a go©d- jo"b of the murdering "business and I might 
get in my ante-mortem statement - of how your Drug esta"blish- 
ment and patent medicine "business masked the most dangerous 
csunterf eiting plant in America^ 

Bunyan 
Be quiet - I tell you - "be quiet! 

Langdon 
Then don't make any of your "bluffs - Do you know - there's 
®ne thing that comfsrrts me - when they say I'm looney, and that 
Is - that I have still a sense of humor left me, 

Bunyan 
(Resiimes sanctified airO) Ah - you poor TvretchJ (Synipatheti- 
cally) You poor unfortunate wretch! 

Langdon 
There' you go 2 (Laughs) That is what gets me when you exude 
respecta'bility and oily pietyj How your fine friends here - 
Banker Doe, Deacon Du"bey and the rest will stare - if ever 
you are found out/ 

Bunyan 
Youres; a hopeless conumdrum - Langdon - 

Langdon 
Then why don't you give me up and let me alone. 

Bunyan 
Because your drunkeness is a constant menace to the success 
of out undertaking - yes - even to our liberty - You speak 
of "deliveringthe goods" - as if your engraving talents were 
all that you were required- to put into our enterprise., There's 
something else Langdon - necessary in a law "breaking scheme 
of this kind and that is o'bedience to your master. 

Langdon 
Master.' 

Bunyan 
That's what I said - Master, .^either I - nor are my partners 
willing to test the hospitality of Uncle Sam in a federal 
prison "because you are a degenerate drunkard - therefore as 
you won't regulate your conduct - I must regulate it for you. 

Langdon 
You? (Sneeringly) Really! I'd like to know - how? 

Bunyan 
(Slowly and quietly) Through Marion - 

Langdon 
(Starts) My - my daughter. 

Bunyan 
Of coirrse - she must "be "brought into the scheme - she must 
realize the responsihilities you have incurred. 



9-B 

Lasagdon 
You mean you v/ould tell her that her father is a crirainal? 

Bunyan 
Yes - and that he is in constant danger of "being arrested 
and sent away for a term - tha,t at his age would mean a 
life sentence. 

Langdcn 
And you would "burthen my innocent child with the knowle ge 
of my guilt? You would make her an accomplice in oiir crime 
you would degrade her - you who professed to love her - 

Bunyan 
Ohj that love husiness is a thing of the past - my ambition 

ooks higher than the daughter of a - a - well - what you 
have proven yourself to "be. Blanche Doe fills my dreams now 
Karion to me is hut a pawn in our game of chess - I'll use 
her to achieve my purpose - now y^u know my position - you 
can govern yourself accordingly - Good-day; (Starts to go) 

Langdon 
Wait - you've stated your position - hut you havenH heard 
mine. If you attempt to come hetween me and the love my my 
child - if you try to hlacken me with her - if you succeed 
in drawing a tear from her eye or incompromising her in arch- 
way with your damnable shhemes - if I don't manage to kill 
you Nick Bunyan, I'll denounce y8u to the secret service - and 
you and I in a Federal prison, will share that hell to-gether. 

Bunyan 
You ungrateful old wold - you're showing your teeth^ eh? 

Langdcn 
Yes - and now that "you knov/ my position - yau can govern 
"yourself" accordingly - Cood-dayl (Goes to door marked Bar) 

Bunyan 
ITow tmderstand me - Langdon - if you - 

Langdon • . 

G9 to your tanker's daughter - go.' Gol and le;^ me alone - 
Damn you - let me alone. (Marion re-neters do^-vn steps L, ) 

Mari on 
Why Daddy - what are you doing here? 

Langdon 
(Stammers) Marion - I - 

Bunyan 
(Resumes sanctimonious manner, points to har) He's govering 
on the brink of danger Marion - He won't be advised by me„. 
Try what you can do my child to have him put the demon drink 
behind him. (Exit R.U.E. ) 

Langdon 
Wouldn't that make |iou sick. 

Marion 
Daddy - have you been quarreling with him again? 

Langdon 
I'm afraid I have - littlemother. 

Marion 
Don't do it - Daddy - don't, for my sake - jf you are un- 
comfortable in his employ leave him - one virho knows as many 
things as you, can't fail to get something to work at in this 
place - where everything is booming as they put it - and even 
if you don't. I'll take some more pupi3,s and we ' 11 get along 
some how. 

Langdon 
(Troubled) You ask me not to quarrel for your sake - j'^rion - 
Are you really fond of this man? 

Ti/rarion 
Now Daddy - ' . 



lO-B > 

Langdon 
Tell me 

Marion 
Uo - Daddy - He urged Ms love on me - and claimed lie had 
your sanction and - say Daddy - Don't let him come near me 
again - I - 

Langdon 
And you don't care for him - 

Marion 
Care for him - I know of no one in this world - who is as 
repulsive to me as he is. The mask of hypocricy he carries 
is to me as transparent as glass. He fawns to the powerful 
and bullies the weak and needy - I don't like him - Daddy - 
and I fear as much as I distrust him - 

Langdon 
(TTervously) Then if he should come to you and say things 
against your Daddy - you - you wouldn' tlasiaiEESSxx helieYe 
him, would you? 

Marion 
Believe him - no - and I'd hate him worse than ever: 

Venus 
(Outside up steps L. ) Marion - did you git that pen and ink 
yet - 

Marion 
(Calls hack) Not yet - "but I'll get it now - Mrs. Brown " 
you see - Daddy talking to you - I've forgotten about my 
pupil - I have to transpose some music for her to a lower 
key. (Reaenter R.U. DunnR.U.E.) Oh Mr. Dunnt I'd like 
t* have a pen and ink bottle for your sister. 

Dunn 
Certainlt - is her spasm over? (Goes behind counter.) 

Marion 
Spasm? (Puzzled) 

Dunn 
Has she "did" her "singing" - yet? 

Marion 
Not yet - I don't think she'll sing to-day. 

Dunn 
ThaM: God for thati Here's your pen and ink! (Hands them 
out over coiinter) 

Marion 
Thank you,, Mr. Dunn. You'll be home to tea - won't you - 
Daddy? 

Langdon 
Yes dear! 

Dunn 
Oh I'll start him on his vray home pretty soon - you leave that 
to me, (Marion pauses for an instant -■ then exits up-sfeeps L. ) 

Dunn 
I tell you Langdon - if I was in your place - I'd be ashamed 
of nQTself having a nice gal like that for a daughter - and 
a kind hearted generous boss like Bunyan - There's nothin' 
in this world disgusts me more than ingratitude -and when a 
fellow gets down and out and blows his last cent over my bar - 
I ain't got no use for him at all. Bunyan and me has been a 
talkin' about you just now - and you want to keep sober or 
he'll "can" you. 

Langdon 
Bunyan had better be careful or I'll "Can" him - 

Dunn 
(Amazed) What! 

Langdon 
And I don't want to hear anjt more insolence out of you - or 
I'll take iry custom elsewhere. 



11-B 

Dunn 
Your custom elsewhere! Say old man are you awaire - you're 
making asound like money. 

Langdon 
M*ney! (Laughs bitterly) Hal Ha I Ha! - Money! How I de- 
spise the name . 

Dunn 
Yours for the "hrain storm shack" I knew it - I knew it. 

Langdon 
Money - why I handle money enough every week t© huy you "body 
and soul you poor sordid sycophantic worm, 

Dunn 
That's what they alJ. s^^ hefore they gc ""bug-house" - hut 
I don't want none of your bl^lff3 about here - or out you go. 

LangdOn 
BlTiffsI Bluffs^ (Pulls out express envelope pulls out bills 
lengthwise - all fives^ Do you see them? You idolatror! 
D»wn on your knees and worship you v«tary of Manmon for I'm 
in possession of your God! 

Tfwan 
Why Mr. Langdon - I had n© idea that - say - you musen't 
mind me "Jollying" a bit - say, have a drink ons me. 

Langdon 
Ho - I'll drink by norself - 

Dunn 
Allow me - (Crosses over to door marked bar, calls) Jim, 
give Mr. Langdon anything he wants. 

Voice 
(Outside) The "Tarantula" brand? 

Dunn 
Certainly not - give him - Deacon Dubey's private bottle .^ 
(Golds door, bows obsequiously as j.angdonexits R.) 

Dunn 
Where did he get it? "Where did he get it? And to think 
that all sponge was under cover and I never "knowed" it. 
(ReflectivelyT Them was some awful names, he called me. 
(Turns to door R.U.E. ) Hello! Hello! I wonder who's the 
"guy" that Blanche Roe has with her^ He's a strainger in town 
why they're coming in here - well - the -Hotel Dunn is the 
place for strangers - we always take them in. (Goes behind 
counter, enter Blanche Roe, followed by Jack Rodney - he 
carries a couple of suit-cases) 

Blanche 
Here you are sir, atthe hotel Dunn and this gentleman is the 
prorpietor. 

Jack 
I am more than indebted to you for your kindness Miss - Hiss 
(Coughs) Ahem! 

Blanche 
I wish I could do more - considering that l stabbed you 
in the back - Kr - Ifr - I - I didn't iiquite catch your name. 

Jack 
True - we haven't met yet - that is - of course we've met - 
I shall never forget it - our - our - 

Blanche 
Our "painful" meeting - you mean we have not been introduced 
"formally" - 

Jack 
Formally or latterly or - kind sir! (To Dunn) 

Dunn 
(Has been staring from m one to the other mystified) Ih? 



Jack 
Would you mind introducing me to this young lady? 

Dunn 
What are you giving me? 

Jack 
Whatever is usual - 

Dunn 
What « s your name ? 

Jack 
Jack Rodney. 

Dunn 
Rotteny? 

Jack ^ 
Rod - ney.' (Spells it ) R D If E Y 

Dunn 
But T'^iat vail her "Pa" say? Her Pa is one of our leading 
"Boobvillians" 

Jack 
"Boobvillians"? I don't care what kind of a "villian" he 
is. He could he "Desperate Desmond himself" - still i want 
to meet his daughter. 

Blanche 
Hvirry up Mr. Dunn - 

Dunn 
Ahem] Hiss Blanche - I mean - Miss "Doe" this .^ont here as 
says his name is Jake R ) R ) R ) ODMEY wants ';o raeet yer. 

Blanche 
( Extends hand. Jack takes it) Delighted to meet you - Kr 
Redney - How's your poor neck - where I jabbed you with my 
hat-pin? Pardon me - Mr. Dunn- but Mr, Rodney and I chanced 
upon each other in a most extraordinary manner - I had been 
visiting my aunt who lives in Salem - and left her this 
afternoon - and took a chair in the parlor car just behind Kr. 
Rodney - he was dozing in his seat - just like this (Illustra-t 
ing) dead to the world. 

Dunn 
And I suppose - he was a "snoring" away to beat the band. 

Jack 
I don't snore - sir. 

Dunn 
That's what they all say - but if you'd seen as many "Jags" as 
I have -■ a settin around on my office chairs - excuse me, go 
on KissBlanche. 

Blanche 
I had some fifty miles of Journey before me and I removed my 
hat and started to pin it on the back of Mr. Rodney's chair, 
just then - at this - this - 

Jack 
Psychological moment - 

Blanche 
Thank you Mr. Rodney at this psychological moment the engineer 
put on thebrakes; The train halted with a jerk - and I was 
thrown forward. The hat pin passed through the sushioned char 
into Mr, Rodney's neck. 

Dunn 
Did it hurt much? 

Jack 
'So - only about two indches and a half - 

Blanche 
Iwas paralized with horror - and fainted away - Ut . Rodney 
revived me - 



13-B 

Jaci: 

That reminds me - v/Mle I w&s doing the revivalist act, I 
fear I robbed you of something - I found it entangled on my 
coat sleeve button ~ 1 herewith return it. (Hands her false 
hair puff} 

Blanche 
(Claps her hand to side of head) That is not mine sir - 

Jaclc 
It must be ~ 

Blanche 
It is false,! 

Jack 
Yes - I see that^ but I don't remember reviving any other 
lady to-day - however - (Puts it in his pocket) 

T)uxin 
(Behind counter) Will you register? (Extending pen to jack, 
Jack registers) Hun^jh! "What line are you in? 

Jacl- 
Line? 

Dunn 
Yesi Whatfs your business? 

Jack 
Promoter of Amateur Theatricals.' I am ever chasing the 
latent histrionic germ - which may develop into an embtyo 
"Bernhardt", "Eddie Poy" or "Eva Tanguay" and when I discover 
a promising microbe - I nourish it until it sprouts intc a 
bewildering ex-florescence ofdazzling Thesrpianic pulchritude 
I hope I make myself cleisr. 

Dunn 
Oh yesJ Oh yesI I'm only puzzled as to where I shall room yaq 
You seeonly the parlor is left! 

Eack 
The parlor will d© - 

Dunn 
But "then" germs - and microbs you talk of - won't they 
muss up the carpet? 

Jack 
¥0 - not if they are real. It's only v^ith the imitations I 
muss the carpet - But I'll promise to be careful.. 

DuTin 
Remember I'll charge for any damage done to the furniture ~ 
lify sister is up there now with her music teacher - Miss Lang- 
don - takin' her lesson - bmt I'll go up and throw them out. 

Blanche 
HVhat is Marion here - I'll run up and see her. (About to 
exit Lo when Lang-don's voice checks her) 

Langdcim 
(Outside) Ho - Mr, Vane - I let no ma.n pay for my liquor - 
(Enters R., shaking off Harry Vane) ?/hat sottii of' a place do 
you run here Dunn - when you haven't got change for a five 
dollar bill? (flourishing the bill) 

¥ane 
HiTow Mr, Langdon - (Endeavoring to soothe him) 

Langdon 
Let me alone 1 

D.niin 
I'll change it - Langdon -I'll (peels in pocket) no I ain't 
got the cha.nge but I'll send out for it - you got anj'- change 
Mr, Rodney? 

Jack 
I think I have] 



14-B 

(Jack pulls out "bills J at sound of jack's voice Vane starts 
Jack hands orer change - to Dunn - who takes the five from 
Langdon and gives him the change ^ Dunit then hands the five 
to Jack wh3 examines it and puts it in his pocket) 

Langdon 
Thank you sir I liTow gentlemen - you can all take a drink ohe 
me. 

Jack 
It's a little early for me - old man - 

Vane 
Excuse mel Mr, Langdon - 

Dunn 
Tell the "barkeeper to take out for a cigar for me; (Business 
at cigar case, Langdon hesitates an instant) 

Langdon 
Humph? (Exits R, ) 

Blanche 
Well - Mr. Harry Vane - can't you say - "How de do" to a 
person - I haven't seen you since yesterday. 

Ifane 
Pardon I ought to welcome you "back again Miss Blanche •»• 

Blanche 
I suppose yeu are wondering what I'm doing here instead of 
hurrying home to Pa - "but I've had a adventure - By the way - 
meet Mr. Rodney - Mr.. Vane - (The gentlemen bow and sfe,a.ke 
hands, "but evince no signs of recognition) 

Dunn 
(Puts cigar "back in case) Another ten cents to the good. I'll 
tote "Them grips of yourn" up - and fire my sister and 2i©r 
music teacher out of the parlor. (Gra'bs up suit cases, starts 
up stairs) 

Blanche 
Harry "Marion" is here - if you like you can walk home with 
both of us. (Follows Dunn up stairs, they exeunt L^) (Jack 
and Harry watch them off) (They shake hands again) 

Harry 
Jack! What are you doing here? 

Jack 
Pea-ming dramatic clubs for amateur Theatricals - 

Harry 
Oh piffle.! I mean - what are you really doing here -■ The 
Bureau sent you of course. 

Jack 
Of covirse - I've been sent fk "Jack" ycu up - Hatty - what;s 
the matter? The "Old man" is worried about you» You don't' 
seem to get actions 

Harry 
If that Is the case - I had better resign at once. 

Jack 
liTow - that's no way to talk - I haven't been sent here to 
supercede you - but to work with you - to help you - The 
Bureau fears that the position you hare taken in Doer's 
Bank - doesn't probably give you the opportunities - you 
ought to have - now you've been here several months - and 
I've only been here half an hour and I'll bet you a new gang 
of criminals than you are„ Have you had an^^^ of these 
preseskted at your bank? (Pulls out the five dollar^! bill 
he has changed f?ir Langdon) 

Harry 
(Exainining it) V/hy that is the counter-feit ! 

Jack 
Exactly! 



15-B 

Harry 
And you got it here in to\'rai,? 

Jacl: 
Exactly i 

Harry 
Where? 

Jack 
Prom the old man - you called Langdon - I just changed it 
for him - 

Harry 
Why where did he get it? 

J'ack 
I am going to put him througkfc^ the thrid degree and find 
out. 

Harry 
You shan't do any such thing, -p-e's an unfortunate man 
cursed with an appetite for drink - but he is the soul 
of honor - why to "bring such a suspicioni on him would "break 
his daughter's heart. 

Jack 
0h he has a daughter - eh? 

Harry 
Yes - the sweetheart girl in the world. 

Jack 
Um - I see - Say Harry - old pal - that Blanche - the 
banker's daughter - shefs some on sweetness - herself - 
isn'.t she? 

Harry 
Oh she?s very well - hut nothing /ike Marion , 

Jack 
Marion? Oh I suppose that is the name of the "Old souse's" 
daughter . 

Harry 
(Flaring up) Mr, Langdon »s daughter. 

Jack 
You like her pretty well, don't you? 

Harry 
S© well - that J hope to make her my wife - her father wishes 
her t© marry his employer "but - 

Jack 
"Who's hisemployer? 

Harry 
A drtiiggist here named Bunyan - A low minded h3rpocritical 
fraud. 

Jack 
I guess they're a pretty gang altogether - 

Harry 
Stop Jackl You shanH say a word against Marion or her 
father - ifryou do it will mean an end of our friendship. 

Jack 
That's pretty hard - Harry - I might remind you that our 
friendship dates "back more than a few weeks - I might also 
say that you saved my life once - and in a measure you 
are responsible for me - and can't throw me off - so suddem 
like - 

Harry 
(Repentant) Porgive me - jack ~ but - but - you don't 
understand. 

Jack 
Oh yes I do. Harry - old chap! ¥^e have b©th taken an oath 
to the government to do it's work. 



16 -B 

Harry 
(Solemnly) It's degrading and dirty work at times,. 

Jack 
Perhaps I "Spying" is jaet tlae most elevating occupation in 
life ■- but we owe the government our duty. Harry - y©u-ve 
been sent here to act as it's eye - and I have "been sent 
here to act as an- other eye - If necessary - the Federal 
authorities will send others - you know Uncle Sam is Argus 
eyed - and in the end - you and I - if we don't do our duty - 
will be discredited and we'll have to look for other jobs, 

Ktow this Marion Langdon maybe (Marion enters down steps 

L. followed by Dunn, ¥eDius and Blanche) 

Harry 
Hush - she is here - (Bunyan and Langdon heard in angry 
altercation from bar R. ) 

Bunyan 
Give me that money - you ooti Give it to me - I say - 

Langdon 
No - I won't - let go of my arm - (Pause) (Bunyan enters R. 
holding roll of bills ^ Langdon staggers on after him) 

Bunyan 
Dunn - I'm surprised at you - selling this man liquori He 
taices money from my tile and squanders it in drink - 

- Langdon 
(Very drink) A fine dhance - anyone hast to - Eicl (Staggers 
into chair by table L. falls asleep) 

Bunyan 
Send for a constable and have this rum soaked ruffiaii put in 
the lockup to sleep off his drunken stew. 

Dunn 
Yes - Mr. Bunyaji - 

Jack 
Wait-.' Send for a cab. Landlord - and have this inebriated 
gentlemaji taken to his home v/here he may recover from his 
indisposition, 

Bunyan 
Dunn - d<ij as i say - 

Jack 
Oblige me - Dunn by calling t]ae|cab - at once. (Dunn bewilddred 
turns from Sne to the other) 

Harry 
I'll call it - (Goes to telephone behind desk, rings up) 
Hello Central! Give rae Dubey's livery stable. 

Bunyan 
Dunn, will you tell this fresh person who I am? 



(T®- Jack) This gent f s name sir is 3u.nj-.n. 

Jack 
"Bimyan" eh? Tell him to put a plaster on it. 

Harry 
(Through phone) Helloi Deacon Dubey - is this you? It^x 
Harry Vane talking - send a rig over to Dui^t^' s hotel at once 
Thank you] (Hangs up receiver) 

Dunn 
(To Bunyan) You see - the matter's "did" now - i can't do 
nothin.' 

Bunyan 
(Pushes him aside) (to Jack) I'll have you understand tha^ 
this old drunkard works for me. 

Jack 
Works for you? I don't wonder he drinks 

Bunyan 
You are very offensive - sir - and considering you are a 
stranger here - 



17-B 



Jack 
I shan't be a stranger long - I have been meeting some 
delightfiQ people - up to the time - you hutted in - (To 
Blanche) My dear Miss Doe - I suppose - I also may look at 
the picture? 

Blanche 
You will he most welcome Venus you haven't met kMr. Rodney 
yet? - Mr. Rodney I will present you to Mrs, Brown - Mr. 
Dunn's sister - 

Jack 
I am charmed. (Business ©f Blanche, Jack and Venus looking at 
pictxire - Venus flirting with jack) 

Harry 
(T© Marion) The cat will arrive at any moment - I had better 

?et your father out on the porch shaking Langdon's shoulder 
Langdon revives - stares stupidly at Harry - staggers 
t© feet) 

Marion 
C&ae father; (She and Harry lead Langdon up to door at 
back, the three exeunt slowly ) 

Bunyan 
How much money did he spend here - 

Dunn 
I don't know - but it wasn't very much - He changed a five 
dollar bill. 

Bunyan 
Damn him! Give me the bill - I'll redeem it - I want to put 
it with the others he took - I hasre a reason - I want to 
punish him - (Noise of carriage, wheels, horses hoofs, etc) 

Dunn 
You'll have to use another bill - I ain't got that one. 

Bunyan 
Wriy the devil has? Have you paid it out. 

Dunn 
He's got it - {Points to Jack) I didn't have the change and 
he broke it for langdon. (Goes out door upper. Bunyan 
following) 

Blanche 
Well - good evening - Mr. Rdnny - It will give me great 
pleasure to have you call - good-bye VenusJ 

Venus 
I'm going "ith you to the feate. (They exeunt upper door) 

Jack 
Now thatts what I call some girl - and to think she teirrpted 
me to crime (Sits L. of table R.C) (Produces one of Sihe 
photos that he has abstracted from the snap shots - Blanche 
has been shov/ing) I stole her picture - Um -(lays down phi to 
on table, reaches in pocket, produces bill) This evidence 
came into my hand through luck - never had to exercise my 
brains at all. That poor grrl and her father - and my pal 
Harry loves her - (Looks at bill) 'Well - my counterfeit 
friend. I'll win without your help or I won't win at all. 
(strikes match sets fire to bill - gets out cigar, lights 
it by burning bill) 

Bunyan 
(As bill is burned up re-enters) (To Jack) i want a word 
*±3hh you young man! 

Jack 
Go as far as you like - old man. 



18-B ■ 

Bunyan 
i^ou're a man of sense - and I think you can take what Heaven 
gives you and keep silence- I am here to do you a suieviice. 

Jack 
Really? But say - you don't register yourself from Heaven - 
do you? 

Bunyan 
That five dollar bill you had from my clerk - Langdon . 
Let me have it - and I'll give a t^/enty for it. 

Jack 
Nothing doing - I discovered it was a counterfeit and I just 
lighted my cigar ^eith it. 

Bunyan 
(starts) A counterfeit 1 IIo'? do you kno'vT? 

Jack 
I've had them hefore - of the same make, (He and Bunyan look 
steadily at each other for an instant) 

Bunyan 
HumphJ Weill I guessl'll go "back to the store. 

Jack 
(Carelessly) You can go to Hell - for all I care« (Turns "back 
picks up Blanche's photo - murniurs softly) What an awful 
pretty girl - Blanche is. 



C U R T A I U 



1- 

Act Second. 
SCENE:-- Garden and grounds of the Doe Mansion. 




/ SXI-LAEATION 

1- Garden drop for backing. 

2- Gate . 

^S'- Handsome set house . 
4- Veranda and platform. 



5- Set tree L. of C . Seat surrounding same. 

6- Garden seat down R. against return of house and faci.,g audience 

7- Steps. 



&- Low stone wall with gate E. of C„ 

Woodwings, foliage, horders. All 
the decorative garden pieces possible. 



— -oooOOOOOOOooo 



2-S 

ACT II 

AT RISE: Enter Marion -Bxmyan and Langdon L, U, E, 

liarlon is carrying roll of rausic , 

Bunyan 
You had Taetter take my advice' — Marion. 

Marion 
Your advice is unsought — Mr« B\myan and I deny your right 
to meddle in wlat concerns me alone, 

Bunyan 
I had the right once — Marion-- 

Marion-. 
I deny — even that — there t«,3 some suggestion of an 
engagement between us — "but that engagement was "broken "by your 
own act. And now for you to attempt to dictate to me the 
choice of my friends — savors of impertinent interference 
to say the least — and I will not permit it. 

Bunyan 
You apparently forget your father is mjremployee. 

Marion , 
No I don't — that unpleasant memory is always with me — and I 
shall welcome the day when not only your business relations 
will be at an end, but all acquaintance shall cease between 
yourself and me — and mine — (exits into house R) 

Langdon . 
Why don't you let her alone — Bunyan? Her friendship with 
young Vane doesn't hurt you. He's a harmless good natured 
young fellow — and — 

Bunyan 
I only v/anted to find out if she really cares for him» It's 
common talk that he's dead gone on her. 

Langdon. 
Well — what if he is- -you needn't care — 

Bunyan 
llo — I propose to turn their infatuation to our benefit 
thogh— 

Langdon. 
Our benefit — 

Bunyan 
Yes — decidedly^ If I can contrive to make Vane harmless— 
I shall have achieved a point — 

Langdon 
(sighs) Ah-- -you talk in riddles. 

Bunyaa 
What is Vane? 

^ Langdon 

Banker Boes clerk of course, 

Bunyane 
Do you know who got hirar--his position? 

Langdsn . 
"V/ho? 

Bunyan 
Uncle Sam's Bureau of investigation. He came here recommended 
by Lignumhead of Washington — who is an old friend of Banker 
Doe, 

Langd on 
Ligmmhead? Why, I knew him v/hen I worked in the Bureau 
of Engraving and printing — 



3-S 

Bunywa 
Exactly. Harry Vane is one of his spies, sent here to find 
out all he can about our enterprise, Marion must make use of 
his infatuation, and tell us all he knows — so we can foil 
his little game. 

Langdon , 
There you are again trying to draw Marion into your 
damnahle schemes c She won't mix in theraj she shan't ^ 

Sunyan 
ITot even to save her poor old father? 

Langdon 
No — not even for that, Bi^nyan, I warn you--'be careful 
don't attempt to drive me to the limit, don't for your 
own sake , 

Bun3ran 
How don't get excited, and don't get nervous. You know yovir 
nerves are what drive you always hack to the red eye, and 
you must keep your v;its ah out you now, 

Langdon . 
"Who told you this stuff ahout Vane? 

Bunyan 
Banker Doe of course, V/e are getting ver^"" chummy of late, 

Dimn, 
(enters L U E) Good evenin' Gents « Good evenin' I 'spose you 
all are goin' to the party just the same as me. 

Bunyan 
I am making a personal call on Banker Doe* The old gentleman 
is still confined to his room with the gout. 

Dunn c 
And think of the money he's got.. Some folks has got everything 
and others nothing. He can shut himself up with the gout, and 
he needn't worry about anything except his disease, that's what 
r call lujcury,. Did tou come to the party—Mr, Langdon? 

Langaon* 
I escorted ray daughter — Mr, Dunn, 

Dunn, 
And I e'scorted my sister, that is, I was supposed tO"-but 
she was took off my hands. You see Venus is slated to do 
some stunts "Hustling Joe " "Curfew won't ring till to-morrow 
night" and "Casey on a Bat" and she's getting that "Rodney 
feller" to give her tips on 'em — as they come along. 

Bunyan 
That man — Rodney — back in town again? 

Dunn 
Oh yes, he "arriv" this evening, I'ra glad to have him 
back. He's good pay, i»d like to have a house full of 
fellers just like him? 

Bunyan 
Take care«- -Dunn- -take care--you may be harboring a suspicious 
character, 

Dunn , 
Supicious? Yvhy he ain't a bit suspicious, H© takes everything 
as is handed him without a murmur. Most of my guests git 
insultin' about the butter, other's have their doubts 
about the cold storage eggs, he never says nothing^ I over- 
charged him a dollr seventy when he v/ent away, and he never 
kicked. It was like taking money from a baby. I hope to sell 
him Deacon Dubey's dog before he quits town., The Deacon 
clubbed the dog away from his stable, because he became a sworn 
brother of the rats, and he has sort of since, became 
a lounger around my hotel kitchen. 



4-S 

Him and the Rodney feller is frienas„ Suspicions-- 
say if iie was suspicious, do you suppose he would lay himself 
open to a strangle hold from my sister "Venus" V/ell, I guess 
not o 

Venus 
(outside.) Oh Mr.- Rodney, if 3?-ou could only hold ir^r hand 
while I am reciting, it would give me so much more confidence, 
(enters L. U.- E. with Jack) In that Curfevir shall not ring to- 
night, I know I am going all to pieces that "damp old 3ad<.er" 
verse = I,e"t ^^ see (recites) 

"It was e'er the hell ceased swaying 
And the Maidenstepped once more, 
firmly on the damp old ladder (hesitates) 
The damp old ladder^-the damp— - 
(Looks at book J I can't go on. 

Dunn 
Why don't you cut the "damned old ladder" out then. 
Jump i t » Jump it „ 

Venus 
R„ U= Dunn, mind your own husinesSo 

Dunne 
It ain't proper Sinyway to swear, ¥hat will "Deacon 
Duhey" say when he hears you a cussin„' 

Venus 
R, U, — you don't want to get me nervous and spoil my evening 
if you know wihat's good for you» 

Blanche 
(enters from house.,) What a gathering on the lawn„ Why don't 
you come inside .you folks., (sees jack who turns at sound 
of her voice, exclaims,) jackj (half in- confusion) 
Mr. Mr. Rodney, so you've really come hack. 

Jack, 
Oh — yes. 

Blanche 
Already? 

Jack, 
Eh? Already I I hope it is not too soon» 

Blanche 
(sighs,) Into the house all of you, Venus, you must help 
me receive c' Mr, Langdon, f-'arion is waiting for you« Mr. 
Bunyan— (Venus and Langdon exit into house) 

Bunyan 
I must forego the mirth and joy of your party, Miss Blanche. 
My visit this evening is- to your sick father. I hope his 
gout is better, (exits into house) 

Dunn 

Yes, how is the old man's burned leg? (Blanche has turned to 
jack) Eh, — Humph, (aside,) She didn't hear me? (aloud) 
I Viras about to say (Blanche and Jack both stare at him 
coldly.) about to say- — ■- that--tJ'at — I'll see 3rou later., 
(exits into house) (as he goes off, Blanche turns back to jack 
who takes her in his arms and kisses her) 

Blanche 
Oh Jack — are you really YOU? 

Jack 
Yes, at present, sometimes, I'm somebody else, (dra\'..s her 
to seat besides him) 

Blanche 
Eh? 



5-S 

Jack, 
Y/ait a minute — let me put this on yoiir finger = (produces ring 
and places it on her finger, Icisses her again) 

\ Blanche 

And we are really engaged. While you were away I'm "been 
trying to think it all overj and I*ve been worrying, oh 
worrying such an awful lot , Suppose we hadn't met on the 
train, suppose I hadn't jahoed you with my hat pin, suppose 
you had "been on a different train, suppose I didn^t belong 
here in Boohville at all, suppose I had "been horn in 
Muscatine . 

ja ok , 
Nonsense— what difference would it have made? 

Blanche 
Oh, you haven't any imagination. We'd never have met, 
that's the difference it would make? 

Jack 
You m\iStnH "be foolish, darling- — you weren't born 
in Muscatine, so you've nothing to worry about? 

Blanche 
That isn't the point — tell me jack, if I had lived 
there^ do you think we would have met. I could never have 
loved anyone but you, and you couldn't have cared for anyone 
but me, could you. Oh~-do you think you would have thought you 
were in love with another, if— 

Jack 
Blanche*. Blanche I I can't see what you are drivin' at? 

Blanche 
You are evading the point. You can't honestly say "No" 
to ray question, and you are trying to distract me. It's 
perfectly awful to be engaged and then find out that your 
fiancee doesn't truly care for you, though I suppose if 
I hi^d any sense, I'd have known it in the first place — 
only women are such sillies, they believe everything that's 
told them. I don't see how I am to blame for having trusted 
you — for you have certainly acted as though you 1-1-1-1-loved 
me— and~-ifcbursts into tears) 

_ Jack, 
Stop it I Stop it I Stop it^ VJhsit the dev— Ahem^ What's the 
trouble ans^-how. Push Musca'tine off the map, and let's have 
peace and- simshine again, Did I scy "Sunshine "--I forgot it 
was night. When I say sunshine, I mean "Moonshine" I'm going 
to speak to your father to-night? 

Blanche 
You'd better not. He donH like your chin. 

Jack 
My "chin" why I never said more than five words y to the old 
gentlemen in my life, 

Blanche 
I am speaking of your anatomoical "chin." I don't use slang 
Mr. Rodney, and wouldn't think of applying the word "chin" 
to the "hot air" you're alM®.ys handing out. Father said, a man 
with a chin like yours, always wrecks a girl's life, but I 
believe in you, I never thought you were the sort of man 
who could fall in love with a different girl in every town 
you visited— 

Jack 
(Indignantly.) I'm not that sort of a man, I don't knownwhat 
you are talking about Blanche? 

Blanche 
But if I lived in Muscatine, how could you have helped liking 
someone else. You wouldn't have seen me you know. It would 
have been just the same as though I had never 
existed. 



6~S 

Ja ck , 
Wellj I w®uldn't have existed either., You wouldn't have care^dna 
Muscatine button, about jack Rodney c You would have been 
quite happy worshiping some man in your confounded Muscatine- — 

Blanche 
(Rises,) Do you mean to say, you have such a poor idea of my 
aff ectionj for you as that , Oh this is the last straw? To have 
you doubt me? It is worse than discovering how little you 
really care for me , My heart is broken J As though anyone 
could have made the slightest impression on ray affections except 
youe I never thought you — you— could be- — so — so— brutal, 
(sobbing) 

jack 
Now Blanche „ (trying to soothe her) 

Blanche 
Take back your ring' — 

Jack 
I'll do nothing of the kind, I seem to pick out all the wrong 
things to say. I want to comfort yoU; and you call me 
names, and talk of Muscatine and other unpleasant topics 
althought, what it has to do v/ith you and me is more than I 
can discuss. 

Blanche 
That's because you are a man. Men never do understand things 
that mean a® much to a woman. They are perfectly dense. Tell me, 
are you sxxre, that you care more for me, than you could for 
anyone else? 

Jack 
(amost screams.) Don't i want to marry you? of course I do— 
I love you madly, devotedly, intensely--distractedly"-insanely , 
"Bug-housely" twenty nine hours a day, 

Blanche 
Well, why didn't you say so at once. Don't you know a girl 
likes to hear it. It isn^t enough to love her, you must tell 
her so every five minutes « Jack, I'm sorry I spoke about 
yoiir chin? 

Jack, 
Has your father got anything else agai«nst me besides my chin? 

Blanche 
I don'.t know --that horrible Bunyan is trusting to prejudice > ' 
him in many ways? 

Jack 
Bunyan— eh? Well Bunyan will get all tliat's coming 
to him — and soon--- 

Ejanche ^- 

Do you know that he has actually dared to make love to m:e 
during your absence? / 

ja ck 
The beast I 

Blanche 
IsnH he? And everjrone thought he was going to marry -n/rarion 
when they first came here, j,iarion, better off, though.- ■" 
She and Harry Vane are so fond of each other. 'Won't it be 
nivoj if we can all be married the same day^ a double 
wedding. (Vane enters L U E) 

jack. 
Ahem, I don't think that is likely, that is, I don't 
think Harry Vane and Marion Langdon will ever become 
man and wife-- 



7-S 

Vane 

(Comes down,) And "wh^ not— Mr. Rodney? 

Jack 

(startled) Harry- 
Vane 

Answer nt question, if you please. TiVliy do you speak so 

confidently of matters tliat only concern ni^rion and myself. 

Jack 

(pause) Blanche— you had hetter go into the house 

--Mr. Vane and I have a little matter to discuss — 

(leading her to house) 

Vane 
Miss Does is welcorae to remain— In fact under the circumstancss 
she shall remain. You were making a confidant of her when I-- 

jack 
When you "hutted In" Yes, that's all right Harry, you 
needn't apologize. Go into the house, Blanche, go in, 

Blanche 
Oh jack, you're not going to quarrel? 

Jack 
I hope not. If I am in danger, I willscream for help — 
and you can come and save me . 

Vane 
Stop this comedy, and answer raj^'^ question, and answer it 
at once or — ( ad-van cing) 

Jack 
Blanche I (Points to house, Blanche goes into the house, 
after looking wonieringly from one to the other) 
(quietly.) Iferry, I'm going to give youa hit of advic©. 
Never air j^our private affairs in public, jf you think well 
of a woman, never make her the cause of a brawl, 
you only put a dint in her reputation. Harry, I'm just 
back from v^ashington. Mien I spoke to Blanche just now and 
doubted that i^arion i^angdon would ever be your wife. I had 
the result of my trip in mind. 

Harry 
YOU are still chasing the old "will of the wisp" 
eh? Your suspicions of Mr. Langdon. 

Jack 
(jjarion appears on porch) 

Those suspicions are confirmed. Langdon bore a different 
name when he was in the employ of the government. The most expert 

engraver in the Bureau in -Washington- He lost his position 
throiigh his ^mfortunate vice, but his work still lives. 
There is nothing perfect however— and the very faults — the tricks 

of the tool, the ifeiaifiK Imnuverisns, the touch, are all present 
in the counterfeit five dollar silver certificate now cinculating 

broadcast through the covintry. The vignette of the Indian's 

head for instance — (Langdon appears on porch Marion 
motions him to silence) 

Harry 
Oh stop. Stop. Stop. You sicken me with your scientific 
details, and even if it is tm^e — Marion — is — Oh God — 
)His face in hands) 

Jack 
ijarionl Harry are you mad? Can you marry the daughter of a 
thief, a womai who nust be cognizant of her father 's crime — 
and therefore as guilty as he. (Marion and Langdon steal 
behing house listening) 



8-S 

Harry 
Stop'. I warn you— stop, I implore you by our old f riendsiiip, 

Ja ck ^ . . 

I am standing between you and your life's ruin, I am standing 
between you aftd your dishonor. You have taken an oath to 
the government to preform it>s work, I call upon you to 
drvfur duty, xf you fall down, I'll see this natter through 



o me 



do your duty, jf you rail aown, I'li see -tux;, '^^X^^' "^t 
imraelUf alone, tut by God, I'll blot you from my list of 
friends, were you doubly dear as you have alvays been t 

Harry 
Then I'm to regard you as an enemy, because I forbid you to 
defame the woman I love. 

Jack 
The woman you love. You're letting your infatuation for a 
pretty face blight yoiar career, and make you flase 
to your word, and a traitor to your manhoods 

Hariy 
Manhood. What sort of manhood are you showing when you 
war on women? 

Jack 
Crime has no sex? 

Harry 
I'll have no more. G-o on with ^ our damnable sneaking work- 
but understand— anyone who strikes at T^arion langdon, strik:e&' ai 
me, for I'm on her side and v/ill fight her quarrel against you 
and the whole infernal secret service besides, I'll wire my 
resignation to Lignumhead at once . 

jack 
geflore you send that message, read the results of n^ 
labors in Washington, Here I (hands him large envelope 
which he takes from breast pocket) 

Harry 
Damn your labors and damn -n^shington. 
(throwing envelope on stage) 

jack 
I want to pub you on equal terms with me before we go 
gunning for one another. 

Harry 
Oh let me alone, you talk like a child (Throws himself on 
seat) 

Jack 
You mean*- I'm talking to a child.. Before you send your 
telegram— read, and if you don't a.greet with me that the 
federal prison at Leavenworth is the proper home for this 
band of crooks "Johnny will get his gum" and let you have 
first shot, (exits into house) 

Harry 
(pause, in agitation picks up envelope from stage where he has 
flung it, pauses in indecision then suddenly) 

No — no. — no— I will not read it. I v/ill not so insult the woitan 
I love bu such a suspicion. I would lather deny my immortal 
soul, tlan doubt her truth, (flings envelope to L of him) 

Hiarion 
•appears RUE sobbing.) Harry i Harry I 

Harry 
^^rion nry darling, (rushes to her and clasps her in 
his arms,) Why, why, are you crying dear. Ah — you — 
you heard what has just passed? 

Marion 
I — I — heard everything-. Harry — and I— your friend is wrong, 
we— ~we — are not aishonest, (jje draws her down 
the stage to seat in front of house) 



9-S 

Harry- 
There . There. There, (soothing her.) Don't think of it. I'll 
make Rodney pay dearly for every tear drop he has made you 
shed. (As Harry draws ^ijarion down stage Langdon 
emerges ..rom shadow of the house R. U. E. ^e steals over 
towards envelope which lies on ground 

•f,fa ri on . 
I axa. not a thief "-mjr father is not a thief.. 
(Langdon picks up envelope pockets it, steals back to . 
house , exits ) 

Harry 
I know there is no deceit in you or yours, ifarion. I wish I 
could say the same of myself. I hav6 been living here 
under false colors — ostensibly a bank clerk. I have been 
doing detective work as an eir^Jloyee of the government. 

j^arion. 
And now Mr. Rodney is in the service also? 

Harry 
Yes«- 

Tijarion 
(Bitterly J I am sorry that he has selected my poor 
old father ^^^ nrsrself as fit subjects for his investigation. 

Harry 
The man is insane? 

Marion 
On what does he base his suspicions? 

Harru 
On something little more than theory, that our superiors in 
office have framed--that a dangerous counterfeiting plant 
is in operation here in Boobville? Uone of the nofees put 
into circulation here — but are distributed to distant 
points, jack Rodney has become a monomaniac on this particular 
case, and was sent here to track down the criminal and — 

Marion 
He said the results were in that envelope that he endeavored 
to have you read* — 

Harry 
Yes— (looks around L) Why where is that envelope, I dropped 
it when I heard your voice — strange — (goes over L 
searches for envelope®, lighting matches to assist him in 
search) (enter Bunyan and Langdon from house) 

Harry 
The package was weighty — the wind could n>.t have blown it 
away? 

Bunyan 
Ahem, (coughs.) Have you lost something Mr. Vane? 

Harry 
(Looks up answers shortly.) v®s, I have. 

Bunyan 
(coughs) Aheml ^||^,s it of value? 

Harry 
(continues searching.) Not much to me, the owner might think 
that it was worth something? 

Bunyan 
Ageml "Who is the owner? 

Harry 
if you are particularly interested, I would say that the owner 
is the party who entrust^^d it to me. 



lO-S 

Bunyan 
Alieral I have just "been with Banker Doe He asked me to tell you 
that in case you arrived, that he wishes you to come to his 
study immediately. 

Harry 
(Interrogatively) Yes. All right, Marion search for that 
package will you, while I find out what Mr. Doe wants? 
(exits into house R) 

Ma ri on 
lather— have you any matches? Help me v/on'tyou? 

Bunyan 
Don*t trouble yourself T\,farion, The package you seek is safe? 

Marion 
Safe? 

Bunyan 
Yes, safe in my possession. Your father picked it up and very 
Wisely turned it over to me. I shall seize the first oppor- 
tunity and find out exactly what these spies of the secret 
service know ahout our enterprise-*- 

Marion 
Our enterprise? Then you are— oh no — no — no — 
irapossihle'. It can't he, juther tell this man he lies — 
You are silent. Then you whom I have toiled for, you, whom I 
have tended and loved , you whom I have alv/aus honored with 
a daughter&s reverence, you, whom I defended and extolled 
hut five minutes ago, "you are after all a thief, and may God 
pity US hoth— YOU ARE MY FATHER, 

Langdon . 
- Speak to me Bunyan. I cannot, I have no defense to offer. 
I— I am helpless. It is -fcrtisr fate- -rate that I have feared so 
long. I'ate now stretches out her avenging hand and lays 
me among the ruins of all that was precious to me. 

BunygjQ 
Ijarion listen to me. if that old fool had taken ray advice 
this surprise would not have come on you so suddenly. I wanted 
to make you a confidante in our operations. You're a clever 
girl you could have shared in our prospective profits — 

Marion 
Shared in the wages of your crime? 

Bunyan 
Tut 4 Tut I We will call out "business in the manufacture of 
silver certificates-- a competitive speculation. However we 
haven't time to go into the ethics of our operations, -^e are 
menaced ray dear Marion— our liberty and pursuit of happiness 
are seriously threatened. It behooves uc all to get together 
and devise a plan by which we candraw the teeth of these 
government wolves, who are closing in on us. You can help 
materially— 

Marion 
I^^I^helpl 

Bunyan 
Yes, you, I understand that these two gentlemanly sleuths, 
are quarreling over you. It will be easy to bring matters 
to a climax between them. Vane is hopt tempered and impulsive-- 
Your woman's wit can devise a plan by which the Rodney fellow 
can be brought to put a slight — an insult upon you, 
which -yane will speedily wash out in his heart's blood. 
These secret service fellows always go armed. It would be 
capital if they would both be killed hn the battle--but in 
any event, Rodney must be disposed of and speedily. iTow my idea 
is*— 



II-S 

iTarion 
Are you the arch fiBnd himself — or but one of his servants 
to whom I am listening, V/ith your fiendish cxmning you have 
erameshed ray father in your schemes of theft, and nov; in your 
blasphemy of an all righteous God. You wovild enlist rie his 
daughter- -to help you weave yonr weh of murder— 

Bunyan 
Would you see your father perish in a felon's cell? 

Marion 
Yes--rather than face his eternal judge with the guilt of 
"blood upon his soul. Oh father, let us f 3e e at once from 
this devil. We will change ovr names. There must be some place 
of refuge, where we can hide in safety, some place where you 
can mourn yoiir sin and repent. Listen no more to that man — 
avoid him as you would a pestilence — courage i Father J Courage — 
It is your ffarion who speaks. You have yet some energy- 
left but even if you are helplessi am not — I v/ill work 

for toth. 

Langdon 
"Where can we go— my child. The eye of the Government v/ill 
track xis wherever we may hide. No — no — you shall not wreck 
your life's happiness, more than you have- alreaay, and for 
such an \inworthy father^ I will meet my punishment, whatever 
it is, but you shall not be sacrificed. The yoimg man vvho 
cares so much± xs for you , he will not blame you when he 
knovi/s how innocent you are. You will love and be loved-- 
and in my prison — I will be content. 

Bunyan 
A very nice arrangement, but viiat becomes of me? Ho, we sink 
or swim together. Marion shall do my bicding? 

Langdon 
She shall not? 

Bunyan 
"What do you mean? 

langdon 
She shall act as her own heart dictates? 

Bunyan 
Oh you defy me, eh? You old dotard. I will shov,r you who is 
the master. Folow me upon this instant — 

liar ion 
My father goes with me? 

Bunyan 
We'll see about that, (he swings langdon around 
L as Marion attempts to interefere he pushes La?qgdon 
violently down R, Langdon comes back at Bunyan who strikes 
him a left hander knocking the old man down Left, Jack enters 
from house) 

Marion 
You covjard'. You low-lived covTard. • 

Bunyan 
Shut up, or I'll give you some of the same medicine? 

jack 
Nay — Doctor— nay. Herein the physician must take his ovm 
dose. (Hits' Bunyan toppling him over.) How do you 
like the prescription? if you don't think it will do you 
any good^ I will trjr some of my own remeaies — 

Marion 
(crosses to Langdon Y/ho has regained his feet.) Father, 
JteaiJa dear father come home? 



I3-S 

Langdon 

Will — will — the gentleman permit it? 

Jaci: 
He's not a gentleman, Mr. Langdon, but I don't think that 
he will hother you again? * 

Largdon, 
Y/hen I said "gentleman" I never meant Bunyan sir, hut you. 
You have no objection to our going home? 

Jack 
¥/hy no (pause) I will i-jalk that way v/ith you? 

Marion 
(aside.) We are lots — ^we are lost. (Bursts into an 
uncontrollable fit of sobbing) 

jack 
There, there, there Miss Langdon, don't take on so.- 
Things can't be so bad, but they might be worse. Come', 
come, be brave little viforaan, be brave. Take her other arm 
sir. (jack puts his arm around Marion who is almost in a 
state of collapse) (Business and they exuent 
slowly L 3 E) (Bunyan watches them draws murderous looking 
knife looking at it ) 

Exanyan 
I'm not usually s — slow to think. Why dicin't I bury five inches 
of steel in him, when I had the chance? 

Harry 
(enters from house) 

Bunyan 
(hiding knife.) Oh Mr, Vane, I wish that you had been 
here. That Rodney fellow has been acting outre, eously. h© 
knocked Langdon down, handled his, daughter mest brutally, and 
v/hen I strove to protect them, he assaulted me. It's a 
cowardly thing to abuse a woman the Viray he is doing- 
Look 1 Look I lie has hold of her now, 

Harry 
What I (dravjing revolver) Damn him', (exits L 3 E pause, 
confused, murmur of voices. Harry and jack both speaking ) 

jack 
(outside) Let go of that gun? 

Harry 
(tutside) I will not? 

firarion 
(screaming) Help.. Help, (enter going to house) 

Langdon, 
Gentlemen. Gentlemen. 

(Harry and jack enter struggling over pistol, as they get 
in front of tree, the pistol goess off, jack retains 
possession of the pistol throwing Harry dov/n R. 
Bunyan from behtndl tree stabs jack under right 
arm he staggers and falls on bench stretched out. 
Langdon enters L 3 E goes down L) Blanche j Dunn and Venus, 
entering from house) *• 

¥jhat is the matter? 



Omnes 



Bunyan 
Murder'. Arrest that man, jje has just shot Mr. Rodney, 

Blanche 
(coming over to tree, kneels by Rodney.) jack. jack. 
Speak to me— speak. 



I3-S 

You hear the charge Vane? What have you to say? 

Bunyan 
He can't deny it. I savf the crime — . 

Dunn 
Can't you--speak — Vane? 

jack 
(Half reviving) If he can't, I can. That--that fellow Bunyan 
is an awful liar. Dunn'. Harry and I were just skylarking over 
the gun — and — and it went off, iDut the "bullet never touched 
me— never — touched me* Excuse me Blanche far not rising- — 
■but--(sv/oons on "bench) 



CURT A X B 

II II II II II II TT 



ACT III 



Interior of the Baxik. 

Same Night as Act II 



GXTIEIOR BACKIN G 
2 



EXTERIOR BACKING 



8x 



(1) Is a door at "back L. U. E, Interior backing 

(2) Isa winuow at back R. U E, Exterior backing 

(3) Its a windoviT side L^ 

(4 ) A safe door at least six feet hi^„ Door is padded 
to present solid appearance and has several metal plates 
on it"-that the electric drill efi'ect nay be v^rorked, 

(5) Is a wire cage for teller--cashier--etc , 

(6) Opening to Cage, 

Window 2 and 3 are barred, bars break away on windov/ 

R, U. E. 

Sraashin g glass effect vjorked on Tidndow L, 

Electroliers on walls — a socket for plug by safe. Table ana 

chair s L of C) Spring roller shades or^ both windov/s. 



--oooIIIIIIlooo— - 



I-S 

ACT III 

AT RISE: Curtain goes up on da.r'k. scene. Noi:-e of file 

on bars of windov/ R. u. E- Bunyan from ■behind winuow works 
spring rolling shade, it rises, revealing Bi^nyan and 
Langdon. Langon carries pocket latmp. Eimyan climbs through 
windov/ R U E He carries a "bag, supposed to cobtain hurgiLar 
tools. 

Cunyan 
Come on Daddy. Come on and don't take all night about it? 
(langdon climbs through window follows Bunyan down stage. 
Bunyan after placing bag on table crosses over R by safe 
door) 

Langd on 
Speak Bunyan? Vi/hy have you brought me here and what new 
deviltry is yc)ur fertile brain hatching? 

Bunyan 
Would you call the assurance of ovor safety, deviltry? 
I want to make certain that neither of us goes toa federal 
prison. Behind the doors of that vault — (pointing to door 
of safe,) is the only tajigible evidence against us? 

Langdon 
The only evidence? 

Bunyan 
Yes, the plates engraven by you and- every printed note we have 
not already put into circulation. 

Langdon, 
How, did they get here in Doe's Baiak? 

Bunyan 
I placed them in a tin cash box, which I locked and sea^d 
"and left here this afternoon. 

Langdon „ 
That was madness, I can't see what — 

Bunj^an 
Langdon, you can't see a great many things. You are not the 
only scientist who is an idiot when common sense is required? 

Langdon, 
Is it common sense to put your head in the lion's jaws. 
With the net of the secret service being drawn closer and 
tighter around us every hour, instead of destroying 
those radaning proofs, you place them here — where-- 

Bunyan 
"Where no one would ever think of searching for them.- You 
v/oxildn't look for counterfeit money in a bank, would you? 

Langdon, 
But, why have we forced our way in here? 

Bunyan 
Because conditions hqve changed since this afternoon. Rodney 
lies wounded in the Bankers house, and is being nursed by Blanche 
Mr. Does has learned by this^-that you and I are under 
suspicion? I wouldn't sleep early to-night thinking that they 
might take it into their heads to esEamine that tin box-- 
in the morning — 

langdon 
And you propose now-- 

Bunyan 
To remove the box v/ith it's dangerous contents from Banker 
Doe • s safe ty vault , 



Langci on 
Uurglarly — eh? 

2un3;-axi 
You have hit it. So get busy. This bag contains all the necessary 
"junk" to "blow the safe. (They busy tgeinselves over electric 
drill which is ,ttached to v/ire and plug) 

Bunyan 
(exanining v/all with lantern,) There ought to be a socket 
here. Ah yes — here it is. (unscrews incandescent 
globe attaches plug in it's place) 
IJow my che»".:ical friend you had better prepare the 
explosives while I drill the holes, (places the drill against 
the iiaetal plates on door of vault. The trlectric sparks fly) 

Langdon, 
One moment . 

Eunyan 
Eh? V/hat is it, (continues using the drill) 

Lang don.. 
Grant that we get access to the interior of the vai3t--do v/e 
take any of the contents besides the tin box the evidence of 
our crime? 

Biinyan 
My Dear Langdon„ I am declined to take anything that is of 
value? 

Langdon. 
Then I ?/ill have nothing to do with the job? 

Bunyan 
Eh— what's this— Rebellion? 

Langdono 
I want to have a thorough understanfing before we go further. 

Bunyan 
Have you gro>./n squeamish already. 

Langd on. 
Yes. 

'Zxmyan 
You're v/illing to steal one thing and not another » V/hat is 
the difference? 

Langdon, 
I am helping you to gain possession of the box in order that 
it T&e destroyed, and that we may save ourselves from prison. 
but that is as far as I will go, I vvill go no de-por into the 
pit of hell? ^ 

Bunyan - ■ 
Old man. You can go as far as you like. Allov; me the same . 
privilege . 

Langdon 
Ho 

Bunyan 
What's that, (ceases vi/orking drill) 

Langdon, 
I say, NO., Before you take another step in this burglarly 
— I want yotur solemn oath, that you will leave the contents 
of that safe inviolate, save for wlrat we can call our 
own , 

Bunyan 
(pause, then carelessly..) Oh very ".'ell (resumes business 
with drill, the sparks fly again) 

Langdon, 
Your oath — I said — 

Bunyan 
You have it. V/hy--hov suspicious you are , 

Don't you know that whatever nn- faults may be, truth is my 
strong point? 



3-S 

Langclon, 
And fxirthsnaore— those plates and every counterfiet note in 
that box are to he aestroyed at once. 

Bunyan 
Anjrthing more? 

Langdon. 
That you will not interefere v;ith rajr caughter, and myself 
leaving you imniediately « I am sickened vvith the atmosphere 
of crime'. I v^rish to pass my few remaining days in honest work 
and in peace, (pause,) Do you agree to my terms? 

Eunyan 
Of course. Only get a move on you and prepare the hlast, 

Langdon . 
(Busying himself with vials etc which he takes from hag) 
(Looks at Bunyah who has heen husy with electric drill 
all the time,) VkTiy are you cirilling those holes hy thr 
hinges, it would he better to "blow off the combination, 
(Bvmyan unscrews plug) 

Bunyan 
You are the doctor, but this v/ire isn't long enough — 
we'll use the other socket. 

Dunn 
(Outside.) You'd better let me try i^y hand at it. Miss 
Blanche J I'm the candy kid ?Aien it comes to locks. 

Langdon 
(whispers) The re ^s someone at the front door, 

BunyaJi 
Yes, they're trying to get in. 

Quickl (signs to Langdon who gathers up package 
placing them in bag) 

Dunn. 
(outside) Gosh ding it, I've dropped the key. Got a 
match Venus? 

Bunyan 
Here'. (To Langdon and handing him drill ajid wire) 
Not/ we'd better chase. 

Langdon, 
How? T'yhere? 

Bunyan 
Where we got in. Idiots (steps on chair jumps out window 
RUE. lyj^jcin follovs with bag but loses his cap 
pulls down sha^.e) (pause enter Durnj Blanche and Venus) 

Dunn 
I'd like to knov; what we all a. re doing- in your Pa^s barak 
.at this time of the nighty Miss Blanche? 
I feel YQiy much in the dark .. 

3 la no he 
Well J I'll thrOY/ a little light on the subject if I can 
find the switch. Ah. (she gropes along u^allriat back 
finds ST/itch The lights go up) Ah^ That's better. 

Venus 
I should' say it was ^ I'm always in the dark^ 

Dunn 
Why"-what are you sacred of? 

Venus 
I'm always afraid of some v/icked ma.n grabbing hold of me? 

D'unn 
You ought to' carry a pocket lamp and flash it on him, then 
he ' d drop dead , 



4-S 

Venus 
R, U. Djuin, ITiat do you mean by that? 

Dunn 
Nothing. Say Miss Blanche, whay are v/e here? 

Blanche 
Papa vuants the combination changed on the saf e « Jie is too 
ill to come- over himself and sent me — 

Dunn 
And can you change it? 

Blanche 
Of course. I know all about thissafe* It was installed when I 
was a little girl, and I watched the workman— every move they 
made. (Blanche sets to work at combination) 

Venus 
I suppose Blanche regarded her father's bank as a play ground, 
and the safe v^'as a sort of toy. You male creatures don't 
understand these things, which means so much. Ah the memories 
of my girlish pranks, are always lingering with me, 
(Blanche consults nimibers on card while working at safe) 

Dunn 
Why, all children are alike. You and me was just as foolish 
You know Miss Blanche, Our father was an undertaker and ns and 
Venus used to play "Hide and Seek" among the Coffins, 

Venus 
Rt tJ, you are a heartless brute? 

Dunn 
I'd like to know — why? 

Venus 
You are aloirays reminding me of my three husbands who are 
lying side by side on the hill-side yonder, (sobs violently) 
Silent — 'Silent-- 

Dunn 
How Venus cut out them weep a, and think how much better off 
they are. Why, if they could talk they'd all congratulate one 
another. Don't blame me for gettin' started on this cry in' 
spell. You know you're only sore because you didn't get no 
chance to-night to do your stunts. All the excitement we've 
had and Mr. Rodney fjettin' hurt. 

Venus 
Poor Jackl Poor jack J He must come to the hotel just as soon 
as possible — so I can nurse him, 

Blanche 
He will be better off where he is Venus, I'll attend to the 
nursing. (Opens safe) 

Venus 
Par din me Miss Blanche Doe, but I might remdind you that the 
Hotel Dunn is Mr. Rodneys regular domicile. He has always 
stopped with us since he came to tovm. 

Blanche 
And I might remind you Mrs Venus Dunn, Brown, that I viras the one 
who brought him to your hotels 

Venus 
And I have regarded him as one of tlB family. 

Blanche 
I regard him something like that inyself, 

■ Venus 
I don't know v/hy you should. 

Blanche 



5-S 

Blanche 
(flares up,) "Why shouldn't I? I've known him longer than you 
have or anyone else has in tovjn, I met him on hi^ Tfiay here 
and we 'became friends from the moment I jahte d him with my 
hat pin? 

Venus 
I also might remind you that I am e,<p9rienced as a nurse. I 
mursed nry three husbands in their last illnesses 

Blanche 
Yes — and th^ all doed in you, I'm not going to have ray jaigk 
take any chances.. 

Venus 
E, Ui R, U! (to Dunn) If you expect to have the use of 

my money in your hotel another day. You will take me home at 
once. I don't intend to remain here another minute in the "ba-nik 
of the father of this person, and "be insiilted? 

Dimn 
Oh "Dill Pickles" — Venus, we've got to see Miss Blanche back to 
her house first? 

Blanche 
Don't worry about me Mr Dunn, (consulting card) (reads) 
Three— two— one— four- — seven nine. Eight — -six five, 
(Busies herself with nev/ combination,) Three — two — one-- 

Venus 
Are you coming? 

Blanche 
(still twisting knob.) Go on Mr, Dunn, I'm not afraid to go home 
in tlie dark, even if I haven't had three husbands, 

Venus 
That's a slur at me. Well, let me tell you thqt I tm young 
enough to have three moroc 

Blanche 
YOUIIG enough? Hiraiph? 

VenLis 
Yes— how old do you think I am? 

Blanche 
Porty — seven — nine (reading off card business vi/ith knobs) 

Venus 
moat I 

Blanche 
Four- — seven — nine Don't bother rae , I'm busy? 

Venus 
(Grabs Dunn,) Come on. (dragging him to door L U E) 

Dunn 
(struggling with her.) Venus— be gcod« 

Ha ri'y 
(enters with loaded revolver) Throij\r up your hands everybody? 

Dunn 
Holy Mackeral', "What's this? Don't shoot. Don't shoot, 
(oets behind Venus) 

Harry 
Hov/ did you get in here and what are you doing? 

Blanche 
They came with me, Mr, Vane, I am here by my father's 
directions? 

hariy 
Oh--I — I-'" I— beg pardon, Miss Doe, but you can understand my 
anxiety. I v.ras passing vi^ith Miss langdon, and saw a light through 
the curtains heard voices and wa.s curious? 

Dunn 
You thought we was buigLarsS 

Harry 
Naturally? 



6-S 

Veniia 
"Burglars.." That's another insu].t, R. U., If you don't come 
along at once, I ' 11- shirt'-up "tfie hotel to-aaorroir, 
(exits L U e) 

Dunn 
Now Venus (following.) Excuse me Miss Blanche, I suppose 
Mr. Vane will look after you now. (exits L U E) 

Blanche 
)at corat)ination) Eight — six — five/Eig-it — six— five. Eight- 
six (pause,) five, (closes safe door,) There it's dene. 
(rises from knees puts card in "bag snaps it and fa.cee Ha,rry) 

Harry 
You will pardon my curiosity Miss Blanche, hut what does this 
mea n? 

Blanche 
I came here "by irry father's instructions to change the 
combination? 

Harry 
Oh, I see. Your father then has evidently ^ost confilence 
in me? 

Blanche 
In a measure-~yes. The dreadful affair to-night where poor 
Jack (checks herself) TOien poor Mr. Rodney was hurt, do fiouht 
had something tt do with Papa's action, I told him all 
I knew ahout the affair. I don't think he believes you are 
dishonest, no more do I Mr Vane — but- he thinks you are being 
made the tool of a band of criminals. (T/arion appears in door 
L U E) Some proofs against whom are at present in that safe,, 
Papa knew you had the old combination, and feared that in a 
moment of weakness — you might — 



Ra.rry 

Tlna.t I might be false to Toy trust. I suppose lir, Rodney has'— 

B lanche 
jack n'.ver said a i;ord against 3rou--Mr. Vane? 

Ha rry 
Ah, but he has lied about others. He has lied about M^-^ioi^ ^^^° 
is one of God^s Angels — and I'll hate him for i^ to my dying day, 

iv'arion 
Harry--for my sake — take back those words — 

Harry 
Marion — 

Ma ri on 
You are more cruelly unjust tc Mr.- Rodney, then he has seemed 
to be to me t Elanche , be genei'eous, and don't repeat u^hat 
you have just heard, Mr, Rodney and Harc" have been life 
long friends J and God forbid that I should be the one to 
break their friendship? 

Blanche 
Marion — I have faith in you. Your father and his employer 
are both under strong suspicion, but I am sure you have no 
knowledge of their crimes, and whether their innocence or guilt 
is estabD.ished, you can count on me as your friend 

Marion 
I bless you for your confidence, Blanche, but I am my 
father's daioghter, and whe the r he is innocent or guilty-- 
I- Vi^ill not forsake him? 

Blanche 
(pause) My mission here is accomplished and I will 
return home — 



7-S 

'^Harry 
One moment — will you step here Miss Blanche, tseats himself 
at tahle l) 

Blanche 
(crosses overc) Certainly!-. What is it. Mrs Vane? 
(as Blanche crosses L Marion goes over to Right) ' . 

Harry 
I vjant to write a few lines to your" father, ray re £;ignat ion-- 
which I will ask you to deliver to hira--also my keys — 
(Marion picks up Langdon's hat examines it, recognizes 
it and starts) 

Blanche 
(pause, watching Harry at table writing,) One minute Mrs 
Vane, I had rather not accept the commission, Hiat ' s the 
matter with stepping over and seeing "Pajd' and talking 
over matters with him yoSrself , 

Marion 
(has concealed hat under wrap, is at ifindow upper R pulls on 
spring iDlindj it flies up and discloses Langdon perring 
in window.- Ah!~ (giving startled cry hastily pulls down 
hlind a gain = ( Blanche and Harry turn on cry) 

/ Harry 

Marion 

Blanche 
Why — what's the matter? 

Marion 
( stammers „) Nothing? The excitement "-this suspensej this — 
I — I will go to n^r home— - 

Harry 
I TiTill see you there ijarion? 

Ma ri on 
No.' — no- -no- — yoU"'-Harry--you do as Blanche asks you^ qo see 
her father, I advise it „ I heg you will do it--it ■ 
is "best « Don't worry aliout me , I will he all rights 

Harry 
But why this sudden agitation 

M3.rion* 
Can you wonder at it = I have held up so long, my nerves 
are giving way — you--you go with Blanche- --and let me 
go home . 

Blanche 
Bo as she asks—Mr, Vane^ I loelieve my.self it will he 
best, (pause, Harry nods assent,-,) 

(Boanche passes:- her arm around ^qricn's waist , They exuent 
L U E Blanche soothing Marion who is soTDDing softly -c 
Harry turns switch the lights on atage go out) 
(Pause) The spring " curtain in window R, \j , E„. rises, 
disclosing Langdon and Bunyan) 

Bunjran , 
Put the explosive in the holes I have drilled already 
don't drill new ones around the c omhination „ Ma.ke 
all reader to hlow the safe, hut delay the explosion -until 
I return. 



8-S . 

Langdon 
Returnl Way, where are you going? 

Bunyan 
I am going to to try and get hold of the new c onib ina t i on ., 
(Disappeai'S to l» exits, Langdon climbs in vvindpw carrying 
hag, prepares funnel, hlows powder in hole of sa^fe, take time 
to all the details — finally getting fuse and attaching 
it, "While he is at work, Marion appears at Vifindcw R U E) 
(climbs in "by means of chair, comes silently down touches 
Langdon on shoulder) 

^--i:^ Langd on « 

(starts and turns „) l/^ionl!- 

Marion 
So this is wh:--,t your oath is worth? Your solemn oath? 
S"8!50rn to me, but a fe'vv hours ago, that you would never again 
do a dishonest act. And, here I discover you in the act„ 

Langdon „ 
Marion- let me explain? 

Marion- 
You can explain nothing = You can't make me forget that in my 
veins flows the blood of a thief— for you a, re my father; 

Langd on o 
fold YOU call me THIEF? 

Marion a 
"What are you but a thief^-a secret-^prejured— and ju-idnight 
thief. "What else can your presence mean, here" in the bank 
at this hour? 

Langdon o 
Marion, I intended to take nothing that isn't mine<. There in 
the vault are the damning proofs that caia send me to a felon's 
cell. If they are destroyed, I am safe, T am trying to get 
possession of them — only thoml I will take nothing elsoj 
not a penny- -so help me GOI)„ 

Marion^ 
Is Bunyan in this affair with you? ■ 

Langdon 
Yes- -but he has sop/rn to take nothing else,. 

Mar ion „ 
And you believe his oath? 

Langdon., 
He dare not go ba ck on it • 

],[ar i on . 
Does his oath mean more to him than your cath to you, 
Thej are both valueless. You vail stop this work at once 
and go wi th me ? 

Langdon = 
I cannot I I cannot I 

Marion". 
If you do not — I will forget tja 3.t i have ever called you 
father,- I wiJ.l raise the alarm,, I will denounce you 
to the law for what you are? 

La ngd on c 
Mercy- — Marion—Mercyc. Keep silent, Bunyan will soon return 
— you wil]. See, it is all for the bestc'It's the price of 
my freedom, Marion— ray freddom rry child. Don't you imderstand? 

Marion,: 
Do you realize you are trying zo make me your accomplice, 
Farewell 3 farevrell^-f crevero (going up) 

Langdon. 
What would you do? 



9-S 

xia ri on , 
I woke the force of the law, nov/ that my tears— my prayers 
lave failed, 

Bunyan 
(enters L U E he carries Blanche's Toag,) ITot so fast ray 
flear Marion— -I have something to say about your inovements., 
I thought yovL load gone home already like a good little girl, 
but as you haven't, why jrou'll just wait a while, 

Mariono 
I tell youj I will not permit this safe blowing to take 
place . 

Bunyan 
"Why this isn't going to he any safe blowing, my dear Marion. 
Has that old fossil told you that we "were going- to comraitt a 
raere vulgar burglarly? Ho?/ peevish he's growings lTG--no — we 
are going to work the combination. 

Ma ri on c 
Combinationi 

Bunyan 
Yes, I asked Blanche for it, an d the key of the ba nk, 
and she very kindly gave them to me„ (opens bag produces 
card reads c ) Yes, here it is, Three--tv/o — one I 
four seven Uinel — eight — six^-f ive „ We'll try it? 

Marion ■> 
You shall not,, You shall not? 

Bunyan 
Langdonl You keep her quiet if you know vihat ' s goes' for 
both of you, (LaMgdon seizes hold of Marion half begging 
and half threatening, draws her over to Lj \Thile Bunyan 
v/orks at safe R) 

Bunyan 
Three — two — ^one » (working knobs) Four seven nine ^ I hope this 
is all right Langdon, I had to fight to get it. Luckily 
I was masked, and even if j'-oung Vane ever survives, the blow 
I gave him with the black Jack — I feel I am safe-. Eighl 
Six! Five!, and open she comes,, (swings door of safe open; 

Marion., 
(struggling with Langdon) He-'-he stuck Vane, He struck Vane j 
he said, and this is the man who is your master.- Let me go,. 
Let me o, (Breaks away) 

Langdon, 
"What v/ould you do, 

Marion. 
Put both of you behind the bars ?/here you belong,. 

Langd on „ 
No — -no — -^.farionf. See,; See„ jie has the box^ it contains 
the proof d of ray crime, onEe destroyedo I am free — free-- 
from all fear.„ I will lead a upright life henecforth,, I swear it 
Marion, I swear it j by my love for youc Give me the box Bunyan 
QuickJ Give it to'me? Give it -to me? 

Bunyan 
(Has removed tin box from safe lays it on the floor j and as 
Langdon comes towards him he puts his foot on it ) 
Give it to you? For what? 



Langdon, 
In order that we inay destroy it? 

Eunj'-an 
I'umi attend to that little "business if I find it necessary? 

Langd on » 
But you sv/ore to me? 

Bunyan 
Don't "bother me I ' I v/ant to find out wMt else is worth taking 
he re? 

Langd on. ■ 
You shan't take anything else„ ( screaming^ ) You sfen't.- You 
shan't-., (seizes Bunyan v/ho turns on him anfl strikes him 
knocking him dci/vn) 

f^arionr, 
You coward I You miserable cov^fard, hut you shall he punished, 
I'll have you in the felon's dock. ■xsrk. for this night's work 
as sure as there is an avenging God. (works spring roller 
hlind of windav on left, it flies up she picks up chatr., 
ana smashes window screaming) Help,, Help. Help. 
(at windov/ moonlight streams in lights up the room) 

Bunj^-an 
(spring for her and seizing her,) You She devils You forme 
me to make an end of you — do you? Come here-.' Come away from 
that window, I say, (Marion continues screaming Bunyan drags 
her over right by safe) 

BunjT'an 
Keep quiet,, Keep quiet,. You won't? Then die,- Damnsj-ou — aie? 
(pushes her through door of safe, slams door shut, works knob 
of combination,) Die a lingering death by suffocationo 
For there is enough air in there to keep you alive a quarter 
of an hour c 

Langdon „ 
(staggering to feet he is half stunned by blow) 
Bunyan-'-what have you- done „ Open the door, open tt for Gcd''s 
sake ^ Ifercyi Open it ^ Save M^-rion and I v/ill be your slave? 

Bunyan 
If's too late, I've forgotten the coralsj.nation?- 

Tangdon „ ■ 
(half crazed hysterically.) You fiends You fiend J (seizes 
Bunyan by the throat) 

Bunyan 
I've had enough of you.- (draws black Jack and beats 
Langd on down Lang done falls over L,) 

Ja ok , 
(outsioe,) The screams vi^ere from the bank? 

Harry 
Let's enter- — I have my key? 

(Bunyan picks up box quickly exits through window RUE 
pause) 

Harry 
(outside^) I tell you the man viras masked, he struck me with a 
black Jack- — grabbed Blanche ^s bag and fled... (Harry and Jadk 
enter door L U E, Harrjr turns on switch the lights go up 
Harry has his head tied up. Jack is in his shirt sleeves, 
and carries pistol) 



II-S 

Jack 
Let's see what we have here, (falls over "bag,) Burglar's 
tools. Exhibit lTo„ I. "What's this? (picks up Blanche's virrist 
bag) 

Harry- 
Why, that belongs to Blanche? 

Jack , 
Exhibit, NOc 2, Your hold, up friend's been heroo 
(Langdon groans) 

Ja ck r. 
(Jumps to him- — raises his head,.) Langdon — I'm sorry- — 
Exhibit No. 3« 

Harry 
Mr, Langdon I See j he's wounded. Mr :> Langcijon'--who has done this 

Langdon, 
(half reviving^) Save Marion o Save me child. 

Ha rry . 
Marion I 

Langdon , ■ 
Yes--in safe--locked--in--quick , 
Quicko (half surviving) 

Jacko 
He means his daughter is in the vaults Harry ,5 open it at 
once? 

Harry 
I can't—Blanche has changed the combination, V/hat's to be 
done — what's to be done? 

Jack, 
No time to reach Blanche = We have the tools at hand, I'll 
tvirn burglar? 

Langdon.. 
Safe already— drilled— charge planted — fuse' — light fuse. 
(faints dead av;ay) 

Jack^ 
(Jumps for saf e „ ) He's right by thimder. Here is the fuse„ 
f strikes match— lights fuse,) Look out for the fire-works,. 
(They draw back--itoud esLplosion door of safe is forced 
partially off hinges, jack and Harrj'- jump for door and 
hy united strength raanaj;e to pull it away<.) 
Harry exits into safe) (enter Bunyan- — Dimn Blanche and 
police) 

Bunyan 
Aha] Caught in the act « Officer secure your prisoner? 

Jack, 
(Ho]ds b9,ck police v/ith pistol.) Hot so fast, old chaps. 
You've got the wrong man, and I can prove it? 

Omnes 
How? Ho w? 

■ Mari on » 
(enters with Harry,) By me I 

Omnes 
llfarion Langdon? 

J13. ri on , 
Yes, and who here before you all charges that man with 
attempted murder , (Points at Bunyan,.) I told you I would have 
you behind the bars— ITick Bunyan, and you'll see, I'll keep 
my wordo 

G U R T A !_ N 

II II II II II II n 



1-B 



Act 4t]i 



Next morning. ''•Nicholas Eunyan's La"baratory. A plain interior 




Q 




1, Door R. of C. up stage with lock and key. 

2-. Door L,U.E. with lock and key - this door to "break away, 

3. Window curtained - practicable - 

4. Door R. Supposed to lead to drug store. 
5/ Shelves with colored jars of chemicals. 

6. Tahle. (Large) with retorts, mortar and pestle. Pitcher of 
water and gohlet on table. 

7. Bench 



2-B 

Act 4tla, 



(At rise, ^rarian, JSlanche and Jack discovered) 

Jack 
Then Marion^ you are determined to tell me absolutely nothing., 

Marion 
I have said all, I can say ISx, Rodney. Father is restless = 
I must go to him. (Exit L, doo r) 

Blanche - 
■Why do you worry the life and soul out of the poor girl^, 

Jack 
That is a detail of the "business. 

Blanche 
Then if f v;ere you - I'd get into some other "business. 

Jack 
Confound it - Blanche - you donH understand you' vemeddled 

in this affaira and turned everything into sixes and sevens^ 
you are queering me, and this promised to he one of the 
prettiest cases that x have ever handled. 

Blanche 
Hear the manj Be I s actually proud of his degraded caU.ing - 
nad in -"rhat -raj sir^ have I queered you •- as you sfl elegantly _ 
express it. 

Jack 
Have you given !toonds f-^r the appearance of Langdon and his 
daughter, 

Blanche 
That is my right sir - a right guaranteed to me under the con- 
stitution of this state - A v/oman married or unmarried has 
the privilege of controlling her OT/n money ^.^ithout any 
interference from her hushand or hus'hand who is to he. What 
would you have? Marion and her poor old father remain in 
jail? 

Jack 
It v/ould be better for the case. 

Blanche 
Brut el 

Jack 
■'JVell they'll have to talk before the Grand jury - yes and you 
too. 

Blanche 
Oh indeedl 

Jack 
Yes - indeed. Don't you v/ant to help the cause of justice? 

Blanche 
if justice is what I think is justice certainly - but if jus- 
tied is apposed to my own particular notions of what is right ■ 
certainly not . 

jack 
Don't you want to see Bj^cnyan punished? 

Blanche 
The slimy - sneaking vampire - yes -- if j had my way - IM 
boil him in oil. (Enter Harry) 

Jack 
^'^ell unless Tfarion and her father turn states evidence against 
the scoundrel - (Enter Harry L. ) 

Harry 
■w/hich they will never do- 

jack 
p-arry ! 



3-B 

Harry 
I am acting as counsel for' Marion and her father and hare 
adTised them tostand pat, 

Blanche 
Good for you - Harry - I don't exactly know what "standing 
pat" means, "but standing suggests" up rmght" - and Pat sounds 
Irish - and the combination "Upright and Irish" looks good to 
me . 

Harry 
I wired nor resignation to Lignum Lead - and have gone tiack 
t© practice law again - Jack] and my first work in the interests 
of T/rarion and her father. They shall say nothing to in- 
criminate th ems elves. 

Blanche 
Bully fsrr you - Harry! 

Jack 
They will have to answer for their presence in the hankand 
their knowledge guilty or otherwise of the "burglary 

Blanche 
Mr. Rodney - that is "My Pa's" "bank - and if my Pa don(t 
choose to prosecute them - what then? My Pa has a right to do 
any old thing he chooses with his "bank - hasn't he! and I have 
a right to make him do anything I choose - Haven't I - and 
there you arei 

Jack 
Huirgjhl We seem to "be in a tangle here. (Pause j then refelctive- 
ly) I've searched this house from cellar to roof - and i can 
find no evidence against Bunyan in the counterfeiting scheme. 
He must have placed everything in that tin "box - which was the 
only thing taken from the "bank last night. But is he going 
to escape! Uo - Damn it all - he isn't! I'm not going to 
give it up. I'm not going t© have, my a,"bor of months wasted. 
I8m not going back to my superiors Ifi "wirashington - and tell 
them I'm a failure - I'm not going Xo be beaten by a vulgar 
hypoctttical thief and suffer him to still carry on his 
damnable schemes - and you can all put that in your pipes 
and smoke it. 

Harry 
I'm sorry - Jack - but 

Jack 
Sorry - you? (In contei^pt) Tou make'me sick - 

Harry 
See here - I've always been your friend. 

Jack 
I don't want your friendship any more - Henceforth I regard 
you as fighting on the fttjier side - you've been false to your 
trust - false to yourself'. Yes - even false to the girl you 
pretend to love you know and I know that Bunyan attempted 
her life- --last night by putting her in the vault - that 
only Providence guided us there in time to save her. You 
know it v/as Bunyan who struck you "to the earth and robbed 
Blanche here. You are insensible to your oivn wrongs - you 
are callous to the fact that this poisonous monster is to 
be set loose to again infect society. 

Harry 
You don't understand you are incaj>able of understanding my 
position - my feelings. 

Blanche 
Oh no he isn't - I'm sure if my father were in, the danger that 
threatens IDc . Langdon - and that i st^od in Marion's place - 
Jack woiiftd do the same as you are doing, "^fouldn't you - Jack? 

Jack 
Eot by a damned sight. 



4-B 

Blanche 
■What* Then you don't love me? 

Jack 
Oh yes,- I do — hut not enough tc "become an accomplice of 
crooks for your sake. 

Harry 
'Sa.Gt Rodney - you take that hack. 

Jack 
N© - I won't take it hack - and let me warn you that if you 
start anything again with me, I'll give you all that's coming 
to you. I*m sorry for old man Langdon^ but my sympathy can't 
blind the law - and should be punished. As for you 

Harry 
Yes. 

Jack 
You say you have left the secret service - well - the secret 
service is better f«»r having men as v/eak as you - out of it[s 
ranks. Good-bye. 

Blanche 
And let me say something to you Jack Rodney, If you v/ere 
not connected v^ath the secret service - you would be a better 
man. I don't love you any more - and you will please con- 
sider our engagement at an end (Business, she takes off the 
engagement ring, he has given her in Act 2ndj and hands it to 
him. Jack takes the ring) You will return my letters and 
anything else you have of mine. 

Jack 
The letters are in my trunk at the hotel Dunn - i have nothing 
else - but - but - (Pulls out small package from inside pocket) 
Shis - I have carried it next to my hasart since the day we 
first met. Take it - (Puts it in her hand) Farewell - 
(Exits) 

Blanche 
What is it - he has carried next his heart J- (Examining package) 
(Business she opens it) A false hair puff! ^^retch! and I 
assured him it wasn't mine. (Pause) And he*s gone away, -p-e's 
actually gone - never made the slightest effort to t<5 amke up 
with me. (Turns savagely fen Harry Vane) You! You are the cause 
of this - I hate you. 

Harry 
(Recoiling as she advances on him, reproaching him) '^Wiy - Miss 
Blanche - what have I to do with it - didn't you yourself jrell 
him your engagement was at an end? 

Blanche 
YeSj but he had no right to take it as coolly, 

Harry 
Didn't you give him back his ring? 

Blanche 
Certainly, but i never expected he would take it. ^.Taat's 
to be done - what's to be done? If I could only jio something 
to win him back again - Don't look at me that way' (Stamps 
her foot at p-arry) You may think me a fool - but I'm not - 

Bunyan 
(outside) Come into the labratory - Mr. Dunn - and I'll hear 
all you have to say. 

Blanche 
Oh Lord, the BeastI How did he get out? (Enter Bunyan, and 
Dunn, Dunn is carrying suit-case) 



5-B 

Bunyan 
(Seeing ir^-rry and Blanche) Wiat is the meaning of this intru- 
sion? ^Jhat axe you people doing here in my lahnrratory? 

Harry 
We have "been visiting I£r. Langdon and his daughter. 

Bunyan 
That old thief has had the assurance to return to his quarter 
has he? Well, I'll see that he gets out and soon. In the 
meantime - confine your visits to his domicile and don't come 
prying- about my establishment, 

Harry 
(About to make angry retort checks himself) Come Miss Blanche. 

Blanche 
IN"© excuse me. Harry - make my apologies to Marion, I find 
I have something very important on hand - I'll go out this- 
way. 

Bunyan 
Yes, go out that way - but see that you don't come in that 
way again - Uow get outl Go to your father -- "The banker"' 

Blanche 
Get out yourself and go to your father - the devil, (Exit R 
door at back, Harry exit door L. Bunyan goes7 after him, locks 
door L. then turns to Dunn) 

Bunyan 
Now talk quickly - what is it^ 

Dunn 
I have a message from Deacon Dubey' Tie signed your bonds as 
you asked. 

Bunyan 
I knew he would. 

Dunn 
And he returns you this - which you hid in his stable last 
night and he bego for the love of mike you'll get rid of it 
at once, (Opens suit case produces tin box of Act 3rd) Phew! 
I'd as leif myself handle so much dynamite. 

Bunyan 
Do you know what that box contains? 

Dirnn 
No - but I can guess. I've heard the rumors ^nd the talk - 
just at present - I don'T want to know nothm' . 

Bunyan 
You are wise - but nevertheless an idiot. 

Dunn 
You bet I'm wise - Thank Heaven - i ' vg never been sharp enough 
tc be mixed up in anything like joc. and the deacon - The deaci; 
has been praying all night and is -'.':ireatcned with nervous 
"prostration" this morning ■- I guess I'll go., (Knock on door 
L.) 

Bunyan 
Eh? ¥hat is it? 

Harry 
Unlock this door - I want to leave here. 

Bunyan 
You'll y/a'it till I get ready. 

Harry 
You'll unlock it now - or I'll break it clo\'/n. (Bunjran iiaifcK 
takes off coat quickly^ throws it over tin box on table.) 

Bunyan 
(To Dunn, speaking rapidly) Not a word to him about this. 

Dunn 
'^'Ih.a.t do you take me for? (Bunyan unlocks door L. Harry re- 
enters) 



6~-B 

Harjfy 
I am going to arrange for the immediaue removal of Mr. Langdoi 
and his daughter from this house. 

Bunyan 
The sooner the "better - are you going Dunn? Let me see you 
^etjtiemen out. (Ushers them out door R.U.E at tackj they exeu 
Bunyan following as he exits, Elarxche climbs through ■'•■rindow 
at hack L. flings Bunyan' s coat off "box. hesitates is about 
to try and climb through vrindow, when Bunyan re-enters, he 
sees her with box. ) 

Bunyan 
AhaJ (Turns and locks door R.U,E. as he does so, Blanche 
flings box through door L. ) 

Blanche 
(Screams) Marion! Mario:^! (Closing door L. and locking it 
as Bunyan rushes over, they struggle for the key, Blanche has 
possession of it and throws it out k the window upper L. ) 

Bujjyan 
YouK little devil! Do you v^ant me to murder you? 

Blanche 
Oh I'm not afraid of you - you big coward - although you're 
clever in fighting women. 

Bunyan 
?/hy have you done thi s thing? 

Blanche 
To square myself with the man I love. 

Bunyan 
Jack Rodney - eh. 

Blanche 
Yes - we just had a quarrel and broke off with each other. 
I thought he was cruel to 7/arion and her father - and he though! 
I was insympathy with the crooks and v;e had a row. 

Bunyan 
Oh you had a rov/ - eh. 

Blanche 
And I wanted t-^ shov/ jack I was v/illing to help him in his 
war against vermin like you - and I took the box - and there 
you are - 

Bunyan 
Yes - and can you tell what's going t: happen to you nov/? 

Blanche 
T^To - but I know v.'hat will happen to you if you lay a finger on 
Re^Sfield Doe's daughter. 

Bunyan 
Rodney loves you for your pretty fa'je - Beauty is precious to 
every woman - I'm going to spoil your beauty ^ my lady. Do 
you knov/ what is in this jar? (Takes down jar from shelf) The 
oil of white Vitriol otherv/ise- Sulphuric Acid, Have you ever 
seen a face burned v/ith sulphuric acid - Blanche . The 
hideous and hellish scars it leaves would turn yenus xdnti 
a gargoyle. (Pouring out acid in glas^) 

Blanche 
And yovjc would attempt thss outrage on me? ^.Other side of 
table) 

Bunyan 
Attempt with me - means to succeed., 

Blanche 
(Screams) Marion! ITarion! Felp mei Kelp raei 

Bunyan 
She' can't - you've locked her in. ITow take your last look 
at pretty blanche in that mirror (Raises goblet) (Knock on 
door) 



7-B 

Blanche 
^^L 1??°°? repeated loader, Bunyan lays dovm goblet on table 
with thteatening gesture to Blanche who is about to speak 
lays his finder on his lips to command silence , knock again) 

Jack 
(Outside) It's no use Bunyan to play possum ■■- I knov/ you are 
there -- and I'm coming in. (Bunya^i goes up to shelf looks 
for and picks up knife, as he turns back, Blanche quickly 
empties Goblet and quickly refills it from water-TDitcher on 
table. Bunyan goes over to door R.U.E. hesitates^- returns 
tc Blanche) 

Bunyan 
(^^hispers) You speak when he knocks again! (Menacing her 
with knife) 

jack 
(Outside) Are you going to keep me here all day? 

Blanche 
(Terrified by knife) Is that you jack? 

Jack 
(outside) Hello Blanche - you here yet? 

Blanche 
Yes. 

Jack 
(Outside) js bunyan there? 

Blanche 
(Pausea N--no--no, 

Jack 
(Outside) Heis somewhere about the building - let me in' 
There Is no escape for him. Deacon Dubey has been chattering 
and I 'fee got Bunyan this time with the goods. 

Bunyan 
(Suppressed) Ah,- 

Jack 
(Outside) Open the door - Blanche ■■ quicklyi 

Bunyan 
(Prompts Blanche menacing her with knife) in a minute. 

Blanche 
(Stammers) In a minute. 

Bunyan 
(Quickly picks up goblet from table, whispers) Unlock the door I 

Blanche 
Wlaat are you going to do? 

Bunyan 
Do as I tell you . (Blanche unlocks the door) (jack enters) 
(Bunyan throws the goblet of liquid full in Jack-s face rack 
utters a cry, claps hands to eyes) 

Jack 
AhJ What are you trying to do ^ blind me? 

Bunyan 
Your sweetheart did it. You are blinded forever. (Laughs) Ha' 
Ha Hal Take your hands away] Take them away} I v^ant to 
see the acid do it's work. (Advances on Jack, 7;ho suddenly 
straightens up as Bunyan gets within reaching distance and 
kn'^'cks Bunyan down) 

Bunyan 
On ground)hatI You can see? 

Jack 
Yes - Mck Bunyan - I can see,. 

Bunyan 
But the acid,, 

Blanche 
I -threv; that out - you beait and put water in it^s place Jack 
he was going to burn me with it. 



8-B 

Jack 
^^/hat? (Bunyan rises, retreats down L.) 

Blanche 
Hit him again 9 JackJ Hit him ag-in. (Enter Dunn and Harry 
R.U.E. ) 

Jack 
Bunyan your course is run. Produce tliat "box, Du^bey sent you 
hy Dunn. 

Blanche 
He can't do it jack. I threw it into rarion^s room and 
locked the door. 

Jack 
Dunn hreak open that door v/hile I make sure of this fellow. 
(Dunn and Harry hurst open door L. exeunt, as Jack seizes 
Bunyan from behind as Bunyan tries t^ exit R.U.E. ) 

Bunyan 
Dunn you - this is v/here I get you! (Turns on Jack with knife) 
I misses you last night, hut now - (They struggle, jack gets 
Bunyan do^ra on knees in front of him and forces the knife into 
Bunyants breast, Bunyan utters a groan - falls dead R-C) 
(Marion, Harry, Dunn enter L.) 

Jack 
Quick the box. 

JCarion 
I have destroyed it i s contents beyond recognition - &, Rodney, 
I had to save my father. 

Jack 
HunQ)h.' So the Eye of the Government has failed^ and I've 
wasted my time here. 

Blanche 
Don't say "wasted" Jackl Say - please give me back that 
ring, won't you? (He takes her to his breast) 

CURTAOT 



Jack 

Blanche 
Dunn ICarion 

Harry 
Bunyan 



LEJa'|2 



